An old friend
|
While other traditions are undermined and cheapened all around us, Wisden never lets us down. My wife thinks I'm a sad git reading a thousand pages of cricket scorecards, but I don't care. You can lose yourself in Wisden for hours on end, from excellent leading articles, through endless stats and records, through obscure cards and obituaries to quirky little reports of cricket related oddities from around the world.
Never afraid to say it as it is, Wisden's journalistic standards remain very high and it is an annual joy to see the familiar yellow jacket arrive in the spring.
Pure heaven.
|
|
|
Buy this!
|
Is there anything left to say about Wisden? The 2008 issue has a new editor in Scyld Berry but apart from that, it's as you would expect.
The writers aren't slow in dishing out brickbats where due - the dreadful 2007 World Cup in particular, or praising things that work - the 2007 World Twenty 20.
The only abberation I have found is the missing attendance figure for the Friends Provident Trophy Final. What I've always found strange is that whilst gate figures are given for domestic Test Matches, One Day Internationals and Twenty20 Cup games, they're missing from all other matches. Why not publish attendances for all domestic matches and those abroad, where known? Are they really that embarrassing?
The 1680 pages should keep you busy until the 2009 edition is out.
|
|
|
As perennial as the spring
|
|
The daffodils are out, the smell of freshly cut grass (well when it stops snowing) and the annual appearance of the cricketers' bible heralds brighter days ahead. Have started to buy the large edition since 2006--it adds more scholary weight to this mighty tome in my opinion--and can't wait for Amazon to deliver me this years issue. An hour with Wisden is, for me, the perfect antidote to modern life. And for £30 its an absolute bargain for all the hours of pleasure it brings.
|
|
|
United States | 
United Kingdom | 
Canada