Tea and Scotch with Bradman

by Roland Perry

Discovering the man behind the legend In 1995, journalist and author Roland Perry wrote to Sir Donald Bradman requesting an interview for a biography he was planning of the great cricketer. Surprisingly, the Don agreed. It was the start of a conversation that continued for years, during which the real Bradman shone, not only as a great sportsman but musician, brilliant thinker and humourist with a fondness for tea and a Scotch or two.

In Tea and Scotch with Bradman, Perry paints an intimate and revealing portrait of the man many regard as the greatest Australian cricketer of all time.

Genres: Biography

352 pages, Hardcover

Published November 4, 2019

About the author

Professor Roland Perry (born 11 October 1946) is a Melbourne-based author best known for his books on history, especially Australia in the two world wars. His Monash: The Outsider Who Won The War, won the Fellowship of Australian Writers' 'Melbourne University Publishing Award' in 2004. The judges described it as 'a model of the biographer's art. In the Queen's Birthday Honours of June 2011, Perry was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia 'for services to literature as an author.In October 2011, Monash University awarded Perry a Fellowship for 'high achievement as a writer, author, film producer and journalist.His sports books include biographies of Sir Donald Bradman, Steve Waugh, Keith Miller and Shane Warne. Perry has written on espionage, specialising in the British Cambridge Ring of Russian agents. He has also published three works of fiction and produced more than 20 documentary films. Perry has been a member of the National Archives of Australia Advisory Council since 2006.

In late 2012 Perry accepted an adjunct appointment at Monash University as a Professor, with the title ‘Writer-in-Residence’ in the University’s Arts Faculty.

Reviews

[Shreedevi Gurumurty · Rating 4 out of 5]

In 1995, journalist and author Roland Perry wrote to Sir Donald Bradman requesting a face-to-face interview for a biography he was planning of the great cricketer. Surprisingly, the Don agreed. For Perry, those days spent speaking with Bradman at the former cricketer's quiet home in suburban Adelaide were the beginning of a conversation that continued for years. Throughout, the real Bradman shone, not only as a great sportsman but as a brilliant thinker, a man of integrity, a humourist and musician with a fondness for tea and a Scotch or two.
In Tea and Scotch with Bradman, Perry paints an intimate and revealing portrait of the man many regard as the greatest Australian cricketer of all time. Accompanying his engaging narrative are a selection of rare photographs taken by acclaimed photographer Dean Golja during Perry's initial interviews at Bradman's home, many of which have never been seen or previously published.
There are a myriad of lessons that we can all pick up from The Don such as placing the ball, building an innings,decisions and results.
Donald Bradman(1908-2001) was the real deal: a man with rock solid integrity who stuck to his principles,and would not be swayed by materialism. He loved his wife and children loyally,and was a charitable man. He displayed exceptional sportsmanship. He had razor sharp intellect and dry wit. He always had a backup plan,asides from being a world famous cricketer, he was also a professional stockbroker. He was driven and loved competition. He was an intensely private man and disliked publicity and kept them at arm's length,only dealing with them when he had to. He didn't need the media, they needed him.
When it comes to famous people, places and things etc., there's mythology and then there's reality, and people have to choose which one they'll go with. Whatever may be said about Donald Bradman, no one can refute the impact he had during his lifetime, he won't ever be forgotten.

[Sean Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have long been a big cricket fan, growing up in the golden era watching the 2000s Australian team. It was incredible to see the amazing side we had, but know there was Don Bradman who was double the player they all were.

Beyond a few YouTube videos and the kids fiction Toby Jones cricket series I didn't know too much about the background of Sir Don besides the 334, 1948 tour etc. The story of his major health scare in 1934 was news to me.

I recommend this for any cricket fan who wants to truly understand the greatness of the best batsman of all time. There is a good balance of onfield action and behind the scenes. I love the way Roland Perry combines the interviews with the flashbacks to his career.

It is clear how much Roland valued Sir Don's friendship. I truly hope we get to hear some of those interview tapes in a TV series one day.

[Dennis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bradman was an Australian hero of my father and reading this excellent biography of Roland Perry it is easy to see why. As a cricketer, he rewrote the book of batting with performances that have never been equalled and he was an Australian hero during the bleak days of the world depression that hit Australian very hard, in an unstable world that finished in World War 2. You also realise how much Australia has moved on in world terms since the 1930s when we still thought and acted like a British colony, until we had to turn to America for our own security when we faced the Japanese Army on our doorstep and the prospect of invasion. Bradman was very much from that era and I liked everything about the book, but for the ' Bradman's nomination of the test teams of the century' thing, which as a concept turns me off. I just don't get it and it seems to occupy the last two chapters.

[Kirsten · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s been a good while since I’ve followed cricket closely, but this book is about much more than Bradman’s sporting prowess. It’s a slightly unusual approach to a biography that explores a broad range of aspects of Bradman’s world - from the obvious sporting anecdotes, to the impact of his fame on his children. It’s intimate and personal, with an unconventional structure. The author clearly (and probably rightly) holds Bradman in high esteem, but sometimes that means he sounds a little defensive and biased in some places. Otherwise it was a really pleasant and enjoyable read.

It’s not very often that my Dad recommends a book to me, but I’m glad he did with this one! It was comfortable, easy to read, thought provoking and revealing, not just about this impressive Aussie icon, but about the times and cultures in which he lived. Definitely worth a read for me.

[James Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic insight into Bradman, both as a professional and as a person. Incredibly well written and put together by Roland Perry, drawing on his own relationship with him and that of others, in order to paint a well balanced view of the greatest sportsman of all time. Definitely one of those books that once you start reading it’s hard to put down.

[Susan Laughton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a cricket fan and have watched games over many years. I always knew Bradman was the best
Player ever in cricket. However, I never knew what an amazing man he was.
His accomplishments are beyond belief. I searched YouTube for him playing the piano and yes he also excelled in that.
This book is worth reading to know the full extent of his brilliance.

[John Nowlan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being a big fan of cricket, of course I knew of Bradman but Perry's work allowed me to get to know Bradman. For instance, he seems like he was a better bloke then batsmen and I really enjoyed his sense of humour.

[Lee Bramley · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable and informative read about Sir Donald Bradman. Would recommend to any cricket fan.

[Hazel Edwards · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not a cricket fan, but I've read other biographies by Roland Perry and really enjoy his well researched writing. The first half of this book was an interesting insight into the man Don Bradman, and since he'd been written about so much before and also covered by Perry in his other books, I wondered if it would be repetitive. It wasn't until the last few chapters.

The angle is how the man who was not keen on publicity , handled fame, and how he maintained his amazing physical fitness to achieve such high batting averages. It was about the ability to say 'No' and to be strategic and yet charitable in use of his time. But also about the composition of a team and how to structure it most effectively. Perry indicated the physical illnesses and operations Bradman overcame. A private man and ambitious to be his best self, I felt the role played by wife and family was diplomatically not covered. That's fair enough, because the biographer took time to explain ethical decisions on the part of the interviewer and the subject. And why privacy was important. And how having a famous parent could adversely impact on a child. Also Bradman's involvement in challenging racial or religious bigotry, since he chose men on their cricket ability and spoke out on Apartheid issues with the proposed touring all white Sth African team. Had a mutual respectful relationship with Mandela.

Lots of cricket statistics and I learnt cricket termininology. Had no idea there were so many ways to explain how a bat hit a ball. But the last few chapters analysing Bradman's hypothetical ideal teams of cricketers from various ages, seemed like a filler. Fans of cricket are more likely to enjoy this.

As a Pandemic read, 'Tea and Scotch with Bradman' took me into another world and for that I'd definitely recommend my cricket keen husband read the book his daughter gave him. Perry is a very good biographer and analyses leaders well, but I learnt more from his Sir John Monash book.

[Tim Turnbull · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been wanting to read a biography/memoir on Don Bradman for some time and I am fortunate to have selected this as the first. Roland Perry's memoir on Don Bradman gives great insights into the personality and thinking behind of one of the cricketing greats achieved through a series of interviews with the famous man.

This book has had a profound impact on me and my respect and admiration for this cricket legend. Additionally, this is the first book I have read by this author but I am sure to look for others.

A wonderful read!

[Warwick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful insights into the man behind the incredible cricket feats. The cricket is the background to this very readable book. Highly recommended.

[Jaron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent read. Amazing man

[Adam Austin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sensational!

Awesome to get a better understanding of the DON

[Isaac McIntyre · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beyond hagiographic (but that's allowed when it's The Don, I reckon).

[Jonathan Northall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Roland Perry is not a stranger to the Sir Donald Bradman story. Tea and Scotch with Bradman is Perry’s latest offering on Australia’s greatest-ever cricketer and serves up a sympathetic portrait. The book is, overall, enjoyable with much insight into the psyche of Bradman. In essence, it is a story about the telling of Bradman’s story. Lines such as “He gave them [opponents] the highest respect by crushing them” hint at Bradman’s modus operandi on the cricket pitch. Also, the book delves into Bradman’s private life and how it affected his family.

The book explores the psychology of Bradman being Bradman (perhaps an insight into Steve Smith’s internal dialogue?). Perry’s relationship with Bradman, engendered over a period of years, gave the author access that no other person managed. Perry matches Bradman’s disclosed doctrines/value system to a well-written history of his playing days – the ‘what’ is well known, the ‘why’ less so. Short, sharp chapters keep the narrative flowing.

Hearing about Bradman’s personal loss in 1936 and the resultant Test series was fascinating – Bradman’s early captaincy is explored (personal tragedy, resentment and jealousy). This insight is where the book excelled; learning how Bradman operated and how that manifested into cricket is a joy. However, Perry sometimes allows his genuine warmth for the subject to come through, and it detracts from the argument being explored. Perry could have further studied Bradman’s tactic of dropping himself down the order. He explained that a captain protects his best batters, of which Bradman himself was, without doubt, the best, but it could have been further scrutinised. Bradman’s pragmatism had already been explored in the chapter.

Hearing Bradman’s own words about his playing days make the book worthwhile. Bradman’s equanimity is unparalleled – the simplistic complexity of a man who was nonpareil. Again, parallels to Steve Smith very much come to mind. Also, we are witness to the juxtaposition of Bradman the cricketer and Bradman the human – for example, exploring his love of music. It helps to paint a more three-dimensional portrait of ‘The Don’.

One of the aspects of Bradman’s life I was keen to understand was the relationship with Kerry Packer. Early in the chapter, Perry nails his colours to the ‘Establishment’ mast. I was hoping for a less subjective view of the relationship. For example, Perry states that Richie Benaud had been “seduced” by Packer’s money. There is an irony that the schism between the ACB and WSC still hasn’t fully healed in certain quarters even though it’s over 40 years since the event. Perry is allowed, of course, to take his side but it doesn’t help the book.

From this point, I felt that the book does change tactic. Perry is a talented writer, but his relationship with Bradman has influenced his reasoning. There is a chapter on Bradman’s attitude to fame where it is interestingly paralleled to Ron Barassi. This is a fascinating exploration of how greatness is dealt with differently. Compare that to a chapter on Bradman being funnier than George Burns, which could be a measure of the endearment from Perry, feels obsequious and unnecessary.

There is a chapter in the book that explores how Bradman’s best XI (another one of Perry’s books) was received. Frustratingly, it continued to see Perry act as defender against, and sometimes attacker of, critics of Bradman. At this point, I started to experience feelings of disappointment.

The book ends with Perry offering a personal recollection of a dream of Bradman dying which coincided with his actual death in 2001. I was not sure how I, as a reader, was supposed to feel with this disclosure. Clearly, the author and subject had warmth and bonhomie with each other. Perry’s book managed to utilise this for extensive periods of the book to the reader’s benefit. Occasionally, it polarises your opinion, and I’m not a fan of such a tactic.

Overall, the book is very readable and brings many insights about Bradman that will help to flesh out the man who was far more than the statistic of 99.94. However, be prepared to take sides as you delve deeper into the book. Perhaps try reading those chapters with a tea and scotch to hand.

Originally published on Cricket Web website in 2019

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book, as a cricket lover his life story is fascinating and his cricket achievements are truly stunning !