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Jack Fingleton: The Man Who Stood Up to Bradman
Jack Fingleton is one of Australian cricket's most important and intriguing characters. In John Arlott's words: He is himself?and a diverse himself it is.'
Fingleton was an outstanding opening batsman with a reputation for fearlessness against the most hostile and dangerous opening attacks. He faced up to England's feared Bodyline' bowlers, and became the first batsman in history to score four successive Test centuries.
Later he gained a reputation as possibly Australia's greatest cricket writer, with his work syndicated throughout Australia and overseas. He also moved in the corridors of power as a political journalist, and was on intimate terms with several prime ministers. He was the author of a number of authoritative books, including Cricket Crisis and Brightly Fades the Don.
Fingleton led a varied and at times turbulent life. Married to the daughter of noted feminist Jessie Street, over several decades he was involved in an on-again, off-again feud with one-time teammate Sir Donald Bradman. Greg Growden's access to previously unpublished correspondence has helped him shed new light on their relationship, and on the rich life of a witty, evocative, complex and altogether unforgettable Australian.
Fingleton was an outstanding opening batsman with a reputation for fearlessness against the most hostile and dangerous opening attacks. He faced up to England's feared Bodyline' bowlers, and became the first batsman in history to score four successive Test centuries.
Later he gained a reputation as possibly Australia's greatest cricket writer, with his work syndicated throughout Australia and overseas. He also moved in the corridors of power as a political journalist, and was on intimate terms with several prime ministers. He was the author of a number of authoritative books, including Cricket Crisis and Brightly Fades the Don.
Fingleton led a varied and at times turbulent life. Married to the daughter of noted feminist Jessie Street, over several decades he was involved in an on-again, off-again feud with one-time teammate Sir Donald Bradman. Greg Growden's access to previously unpublished correspondence has helped him shed new light on their relationship, and on the rich life of a witty, evocative, complex and altogether unforgettable Australian.
335 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 2008
18 people want to read
About the author
Greg Growden
22 books6 followersGreg Growden (c. 1960 – 14 November 2020) was an Australian sports journalist, author and biographer.
Growden grew up on his family's rice farm in the Riverina. He joined the Sydney Morning Herald in early 1978 soon after leaving school. He was chief rugby union correspondent for the paper from 1987 to 2012, and was the Australian rugby union correspondent for ESPN from 2012 to 2018. He is one of just two international rugby writers to cover all of the first eight World Cups.
He died of cancer on 14 November 2020. - wikipeadia
Growden grew up on his family's rice farm in the Riverina. He joined the Sydney Morning Herald in early 1978 soon after leaving school. He was chief rugby union correspondent for the paper from 1987 to 2012, and was the Australian rugby union correspondent for ESPN from 2012 to 2018. He is one of just two international rugby writers to cover all of the first eight World Cups.
He died of cancer on 14 November 2020. - wikipeadia
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
January 4, 2019
Nobody is perfect and when combined with competitive human nature interweaved with elite level team sports, imperfections tend to rise.
The subject matter was human, and within the title of the work a dion of Australian cricketing, indeed of world cricketing, is named. Named to add spice or fact. The facts recognized beyond this work are that Sir Don Bradman was also human, and thus not perfect in all things. To this reader however the use of Sir Don's name in the title, and a consistent use of his name throughout, distracts in some material ways from the story of Jack Fingleton himself, thus adversely effecting the overall work. There remains to my view little doubt that the achievements of Jack could well have stood alone.
If you are a reader of sporting books this is well worth a read for both the authors playing and subsequent journalistic career.
The subject matter was human, and within the title of the work a dion of Australian cricketing, indeed of world cricketing, is named. Named to add spice or fact. The facts recognized beyond this work are that Sir Don Bradman was also human, and thus not perfect in all things. To this reader however the use of Sir Don's name in the title, and a consistent use of his name throughout, distracts in some material ways from the story of Jack Fingleton himself, thus adversely effecting the overall work. There remains to my view little doubt that the achievements of Jack could well have stood alone.
If you are a reader of sporting books this is well worth a read for both the authors playing and subsequent journalistic career.
June 18, 2024
One of the great writers on the game himself, a great compliment is paid by Growden, who has written a superb study of a complex man. None were ever prouder to wear the Baggy Green and none stood up to both the Bodyline and Bradman juggernaut more effectively.
Fingleton was a fine writer from humble beginnings, who not only took the bruises handed out by Larwood and Co but refused to bow to Bradman in what was his longest and most bitter battle. Through it all, he retained his sense of both humour and justice but with great balance and according his foes credit where deserved. Growden explains Fingleton's role in the resettlement of Larwood and his family when he emigrated to Australia with the warmth it deserves.
A fabulous read which is a fitting accolade for a fine man.
Fingleton was a fine writer from humble beginnings, who not only took the bruises handed out by Larwood and Co but refused to bow to Bradman in what was his longest and most bitter battle. Through it all, he retained his sense of both humour and justice but with great balance and according his foes credit where deserved. Growden explains Fingleton's role in the resettlement of Larwood and his family when he emigrated to Australia with the warmth it deserves.
A fabulous read which is a fitting accolade for a fine man.
January 16, 2024
Having immersed myself in "Jack Fingleton: The Man Who Stood Up to Bradman" by Greg Growden, I've come away with a nuanced appreciation for this insightful biography. The book, a captivating exploration of an often overshadowed cricketing figure, skillfully blends meticulous research with Growden's engaging prose, making it an enjoyable experience for both avid cricket fans and those with a more casual interest in sports history.
Greg Growden excels in bringing Jack Fingleton's story to life, offering a vivid portrayal of the challenges and triumphs that defined the cricketer's career. Fingleton's dynamic personality and significant contributions to the sport are presented in a manner that sheds light on the man who stood in the shadows of the legendary Sir Donald Bradman.
One notable aspect of the book is its exploration of the intricate relationship between Fingleton and Bradman. Growden delves into the nuances of their interactions on and off the field, unraveling the layers of competition and camaraderie that existed between these two cricketing giants. This nuanced portrayal adds depth to Fingleton's character and provides a unique perspective on the golden era of Australian cricket.
While the narrative is engaging, there are moments when the book delves into meticulous details that might be overwhelming for readers less acquainted with cricket history. Additionally, the pacing occasionally feels uneven, with certain chapters providing more depth than others. Nevertheless, Growden succeeds in crafting a well-rounded biography that pays homage to Fingleton's enduring legacy.
In summary, "Jack Fingleton: The Man Who Stood Up to Bradman" proves to be a worthwhile read for anyone intrigued by cricket history or biographies of sports personalities. Greg Growden's meticulous research and narrative prowess make it a captivating journey into the life of a man who played a pivotal role in shaping the cricketing landscape of his time.
Greg Growden excels in bringing Jack Fingleton's story to life, offering a vivid portrayal of the challenges and triumphs that defined the cricketer's career. Fingleton's dynamic personality and significant contributions to the sport are presented in a manner that sheds light on the man who stood in the shadows of the legendary Sir Donald Bradman.
One notable aspect of the book is its exploration of the intricate relationship between Fingleton and Bradman. Growden delves into the nuances of their interactions on and off the field, unraveling the layers of competition and camaraderie that existed between these two cricketing giants. This nuanced portrayal adds depth to Fingleton's character and provides a unique perspective on the golden era of Australian cricket.
While the narrative is engaging, there are moments when the book delves into meticulous details that might be overwhelming for readers less acquainted with cricket history. Additionally, the pacing occasionally feels uneven, with certain chapters providing more depth than others. Nevertheless, Growden succeeds in crafting a well-rounded biography that pays homage to Fingleton's enduring legacy.
In summary, "Jack Fingleton: The Man Who Stood Up to Bradman" proves to be a worthwhile read for anyone intrigued by cricket history or biographies of sports personalities. Greg Growden's meticulous research and narrative prowess make it a captivating journey into the life of a man who played a pivotal role in shaping the cricketing landscape of his time.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews