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Sing Willow
(£12.50 inc. p&p) ORDER HEREby Jeremy Paul and illustrated by Tim Jaques
In 1933, A.G.Macdonell wrote a novel called 'England Their England'. It remains in paperback 68 years later on the basis of a single chapter generally acknowledged to be the funniest account of a cricket match ever written - when a motley group of Londoners and one American (the team led by the incomparable Mr Hodge) arrived in various states of disfunction to play an English village.
Behind the comic antics, however, were real people and a real team and this book tells their story, from inception up to the present day and beyond. The real Mr Hodge was Sir John Squire, poet, publisher and critic, and founder of The Invalids.
Started just after the First World War, their colours are the hospital blue and gold of wounded soldiers. Squire's literary friends, many of whom had gallantly served, formed the bulk of the early teams. As time went by, the teams came to reflect the personalities of the four succeeding captains, while steadfastly hanging on to the traditions of playing hard in lovely rural surroundings and not caring a jot who wins. It is hard to think of any walk of life that hasn't at some time been represented in The Invalids: writers, politicians, judges, war heroes, bridal salesmen, famous actors and comedians, an Australian Test cricketer and a legendary English cricket captain, his daughter and other ladies...the list is inexhaustible.
Boosted by the wonderful drawings of Tim Jaques, old photos and various bits of eccentric memorabilia, the book is a must for anyone who loves the game of cricket or even just loves somebody who loves the game of cricket. There has never been a better time to get this book into print.
Published by the Book Guild and available from all good bookshops. Alternatively, you may purchase a personalised signed copy direct from Jeremy Paul by clicking here.