Not the man who was on the receiving end when Fred's steely Yorkshire guard was momentarily dropped in a particularly memorable anecdote, that's for certain. The great F.S. Trueman - the "finest fast bowler Yorkshire CCC and England have ever seen" - tells of the occasion when a particular individual incited Fred to uncharacteristic action. This man, explains Fred, was being so blase into the bargain that he was really furious, and I'm afraid he hit him in the mouth and had to be carried off. People who have heard the serialisation on the radio will know why Fred reacted in such a way - because he felt an obligation to do so.

Anyone who loves Fred's combination of speaking skill - exemplified best in such triumphs as 'Fred Live at Leeds' - and dry sense of humour can not fail to be moved by this excellent collection.