C.B. Fry: An English Hero

by Iain Wilton

C.B. Fry was Captain of England at cricket, played soccer for England, and became the joint-holder of the world long-jump record. But he was much more than a sportsman. He won a major scholarship to Oxford, where his friends numbered Max Beerbohm, Hilaire Belloc, and F.E. Smith. He wrote several books, including an autobiography and a novel, and he was one of the most successful journalists of his day. He was a friend of many prominent Labour and Liberal politicians, but flirted with Fascism, meeting Hitler in 1934. He tried out for Hollywood, represented India at the League of Nations, and stood for Parliament three times.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography

512 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 1999

Reviews

[Derek Sculthorpe · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the author's first book and I thought he did a remarkable job. His research was thorough and his conclusions about Fry were thoughtful and well-balanced. I remember there was some negativity at the time this biography was released but I never understood why. That the greatest all-round sportsman may have been less heroic in private life was hardly the author's fault but actually made his story all the more absorbing.

[max f · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great life, great stories, great character's, great read

Incredibly well researched and written, linking Dr Grace to Bradman and Trueman a life well lived.
Wouldn't have minded a game or two for Hollywood cc.

[Karl Cook · Rating 3 out of 5]

Iain Wilton’s biography of Charles Fry, simply titled C.B. Fry: An English Hero rekindled my childish admiration of sporting feats. He was a phenomenon, actually – Fry, that is: seemingly, a blending of physique, coordination, athleticism and ambition combined with eagle eyes for both ball and opportunity. The result? Records and achievements that will remain unrivalled, methinks. Sadly, Wilton’s intent on refuting Fry’s own autobiography, A Life Worth Living, hogs the limelight a little too often. But there you go.