More Than A Game: The Story of Cricket's Early Years

by John Major

The former Prime Minister examines the early history of one of the great loves of his life in a book that sheds new light on the summer game’s social origins.

All his life John Major has loved cricket. In ‘More Than a Game’ he examines it from its origins up to the coming of the First World War. Along the way he considers the crucial role of the wealthy patrons who gambled huge sums on early matches; the truth behind the legends that have grown up around the famous Hambledon Club; changes in rules and techniques, including the transition from underarm to overarm bowling; the long-standing, but often blurred, distinction between 'gentlemen' and 'players'; the coming of the MCC and its role as the supreme arbiter of the game; the spread of cricket throughout the British Empire; and the emergence of the county game and international competition.

It is a story rich in anecdote and colourful characters. Many of the great names from the 'Golden Age' of cricket – C.B. Fry, Ranjitsinhji, 'Demon' Spofforth and of course the towering figure of W.G. Grace – are still well-known today. But long before then the game already had its men like the Kentish innkeeper's son 'Lumpy' Stevens, who played at the highest level until he was nearly sixty; 'Silver Billy' Beldham, who was taught how to play by a gingerbread baker; the notoriously avaricious and ill-tempered Lord Frederic Beauclerk, a direct descendant of Charles II and Nell Gwynne; and the mighty 'Lion of Kent' Alfred Mynn.

Genres: History, Sports, Nonfiction

619 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 7, 2007

About the author

Sir John Major, KG, CH.

Member of Parliament from 1979-2001. Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from 28 November 1990 – 2 May 1997.

Invested a Member of the Order of the Companions of Honour (CH) in 1999 and a Knight Companion of the Most Noble Order of the Garter (KG) in 2005.

Reviews

[^ · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very, very well written book.

I briefly played cricket at school, and despite the lackadaisical general complete absence of competition from other nearby girls’ schools, I thoroughly enjoyed playing the game. Since then I’ve been more into the social side of cricket. I lapped up “More Than A Game”, which is a very articulate and enjoyable history of English cricket from its early years up to the end of the Victorian era. Unsurprisingly, it just so happens that it also makes a perfect pairing with the MCC’s excellent compilation of cricket verse (at https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...).

Sir John’s research has uncovered much to fascinate. Stowes Survey of London (1720) for one, which mentions cricket in the same breath as football, wrestling, bellringing, shovelboard and ‘drinking in ale-houses’; Oh dear! (p.45) Nowadays batsmen are well padded-up, unlike their forebears. Leg guards did not become customary until 1836. In the second half of the C17th, travel, which could be unaffordable expensive, was so risky that cricketers prayed, “God permit (I arrive safely),” preferring instead to play locally. Players could walk tens of miles to get to a match. Maybe the present-day Australian team ought to give that some thought when the Ashes Third Test, at Edgbaston (Birmingham), begins tomorrow (29th July 2015); thankful that they have not had to endure a long sea voyage in a ship not fitted with stabilisers and other twenty-first century comforts?

All is not hardened discomfiture. There are utterly delicious well-timed moments of dry humour such as the look described to have passed the face of the American President George H W Bush, when the then Prime Minister John Major explained to him that a cricket match can last a whole FIVE days and yet still not produce a result! Wonderful!

Deeply varied, and beautifully written, there is just so much of interest to enjoy within these pages; poetry too. Of the 6ft tall John Jackson (1833-1901), Anon. wrote:

The first ball hit me in the hand,
The next I played in doubt
The third ball smashed my fingers,
And the fourth ball bowled me out.

Not that my memories of school cricket were ever quite like that; but, evidence permitting, I’d love to challenge Sir John Major to follow up his success with “More Than A Game”, with a treatise on the history of that other game we called ‘cricket’ at school.

[Stephen Robert Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This wonderful book on the history of Cricket by PM who played

[Bettie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The former Prime Minister describes early forms of the game of cricket.

2.5*

[Daniel Lang · Rating 3 out of 5]

"More Than A Game: The Story of Cricket's Early Years" by John Major provides a comprehensive look into the formative years of cricket, delving into its historical roots with a meticulous eye. As a cricket enthusiast, I appreciated Major's effort to unearth the sport's evolution and its significance beyond the boundaries of the playing field.

The book successfully transports readers to a bygone era, vividly describing the cultural, social, and political landscapes that influenced the early development of cricket. Major's attention to detail is evident, and his extensive research is commendable. The narrative is enriched with anecdotes, personal stories, and lesser-known facts, making it an engaging read for those eager to explore cricket's journey from its humble beginnings.

However, the book's pacing may not suit everyone. Major's thorough exploration occasionally leads to a dense narrative that might overwhelm readers who are less familiar with cricket's history. The author's political background also surfaces in the text, offering a unique perspective but may alienate those seeking a purely sports-focused account.

The inclusion of illustrations and photographs enhances the overall experience, providing a visual timeline that complements Major's storytelling. The author's passion for the subject is palpable, and his dedication to preserving cricket's legacy is admirable.

Despite its merits, "More Than A Game" falls short in creating a seamless flow between different historical periods, at times making it challenging to connect the dots. Additionally, the book could benefit from more concise storytelling, ensuring that readers remain captivated throughout the entirety of its pages.

In conclusion, John Major's "More Than A Game" is a commendable effort to unravel the early years of cricket, offering a rich tapestry of historical context. While it may not be the most accessible read for those unfamiliar with the sport's intricacies, it certainly caters to cricket aficionados hungry for a deeper understanding of the game's roots.

[Vijay Kumar · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent write but provides a great deal of detail about the history of the game called Cricket. The book has been well researched by the ex UK Prime Minister and talks about the rise of cricket in Britain and other parts of world during 18th and 19th century. Though it has some pompous opinions but it is an ok read for those who are interested in knowing about the history of Cricket which is for sure ‘More than a Game’

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating account of the early days of English cricket. I learnt a lot that I hadn't known before about the history of game. It is a well written account, only slightly let down by the subtle digs at modern politics towards the end.

An enjoyable read for those wishing to learn more about the early era of English cricketing history.

[David Highton · Rating 4 out of 5]

A pretty comprehensive history of the development of the great game of cricket from a rural game on poor pitches with underarm bowling up to the Great War by when there had been forty years of Test matches, and the game was pretty recognisable to current red-ball cricket. You can tell the deep love for the game which our ex Prime Minister has.

[David Ward · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an amazing history of cricket up to about 1900. Full of detail, stories of the characters, and reflection about the game. Definitely for cricket lovers only, but as I'm one I gave it 5 stars, Very enjoyable.

[William Beldham · Rating 5 out of 5]

My name sake ancestor is chronicled here. See if you can find him. 🙂

[E Owen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Back to [cricketing] Basics

[Geof Sage · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the most self-indulgent thing I have ever seen in my life.

[Steve Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

For lovers of cricket this book is about as close to essential reading as you will get. An overview of how cricket developed in England up to the outbreak of the Great War covering all aspects of the game. John Major’s genuine enthusiasm comes across throughout the book so that it is almost as though he is recounting cricket matches that he has seen.

There were a couple of things that I found annoying about this book though. The first is the political digs at his successor as prime minister and praise for his predecessor. Whether or not they are justified – some are and some are not in my view – they do not add anything to the story of cricket's early years and should have been left out.

The second is when John Major corrects errors that previous books have reported. I think that it is important to add a footnote if you are making a correction of this nature so that a knowledgeable reader will not assume that your book is actually in error. That footnote should be just to clarify and read something like, ‘as has been previously reported elsewhere.' John Major seems to take glee in naming and shaming the books and authors that made the mistakes with an air of smug self-righteousness that detracted my enjoyment of what is actually a very good book.

[Stephen Dawson · Rating 4 out of 5]

John Major shares his passion and enthusiasm for the game, and the results of what has clearly been some thorough research, questioning long-established truths, to bring us the story of cricket from its earliest beginnings to the First World War. Occasionally he gets bogged down in perhaps excessive detail about individuals, sometimes throwing in a section on someone because he couldn't work out where else to put it, but generally the narrative flows well. Because of the surfeit of information in the 19th century and the paucity of it beforehand, the book is a better read in the first half, where it is telling us a story and piecing together the snippets of information available, whereas when there is too much information in later years, the editor's red line could have been used a little more. A hugely informative book, full of enthusiasm for a great game and the people that made it.

[John Grinstead · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting read for the cricket enthusiast that provides something more of an insight into the early development of the game, up to the early Twentieth century. Some of the controversy of today pales into insignificance given the supposed gentlemanly standards that were prevalent at the time; very much one rule for the rich and influencial and another for the jobbing players. John Major clearly has a real enthusiasm for the subject - and in particular Surrey CCC - and belatedly bemoans his inability to influence sport development and increased participation at grass roots level when he was Prime Minister.

[Malcolm · Rating 3 out of 5]

I doubt that I could be further away from Major's politics, but sport makes strange bed-fellows. This is an engaging, passionate, insider's history of cricket of the kind that makes the author seem not such a bad chap. He is quite unromantic about cricket's past, present, and future (a refreshing change), and more than happy to debunk myths (I would have liked a more critical assessment of W G Grace, but that is just my contempt for sacred cows). Most annoyingly, despite some myth-busting there are no references to direct readers to his, obviously wide, scholarly reading.

[Everhat · Rating 4 out of 5]

This one of my all-time favorite books.
Mr. Major's writing warm, engaging and so very easy to read. His love of the game and it's history and it's founding players is evident.
If you are a Cricket fan this is a must read. If you are a sports fan, you will like this. If you enjoy good history books, you will enjoy this. If you enjoy good books you will enjoy this.
The book is also an archive of sources for Cricket's history which only adds to the book's value and how much a fine work it is.
Highly recommended.

[John Coates · Rating 1 out of 5]

Very interesting. It re-awakened my interest in cricket which I used to have as a child. I think other reviews and previews on this site say it all, which really leaves me with nothing further to add.

[Angus · Rating 3 out of 5]

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[Andy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

[Duncan · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I have read. Ever. Highly recommended to any cricket fan.

[Eddy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some interesting facts and stories in a readable style.