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Head On: Botham: The Autobiography
Voted the greatest English cricketer of the 20th century by the fans, Sir Ian Botham is the English game’s one true living legend and his story both on and off the pitch reads like a Boy’s Own rollercoaster ride. Born with a natural genius for the game, Botham began breaking records with bat and ball from a young age and soon became the man English cricket expected most from. After a troubled period as captain, Botham rose once again to become a national hero with his display in the Miracle Ashes of 1981. But, with his confrontational nature and wild streak, he began regularly making the wrong kind of headlines. With accusations of drink and drugs, affairs and ball-tampering, he became hounded by the tabloid pack, never sure whether they wanted him to triumph or implode. Now a knight and just as famous for his tireless charity work, Beefy gives us the definitive story of his never-dull life and times in his own no-nonsense words.
384 pages, Paperback
First published October 4, 2007
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About the author
Ian Botham
34 books10 followersSir Ian Terence Botham is a former England Test cricketer and captain, and current cricket commentator.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
November 4, 2019
A larger than life character, a show man and one of the most versatile all-rounders Sir Ian Terence Botham has carved out an enduring niche for himself in the world of cricket. While his remarkable exploits on the field with both bat and ball have endeared himself to a multitude of cricket lovers, his indiscreet escapades off-the pitch have often times led to embarrassing consequences to Botham as well as his friends and family.
In his bare all autobiography England's greatest all rounder reveals his existence in a manner similar to that adopted by him while playing a game of cricket - no holding back! The result is a roller coaster ride coalescing triumph and tribulation. Whether it be describing his tempestuous affair with a waitress that almost rocked his married life or his immortal feats that savaged the Aussies in the now immortal "Botham's Ashes" in 1981, Sir Ian comes out with all guns blazing. The attitude is the exact one that got him to wade into many an Aussie attack and in the process garnered rollicking outcomes!
Tracing his career trajectory from the time he was a hyper active toddler till he received his knighthood, "Head on" plunges head first into a diverse range of subjects. Divisive politics compete with delightful loyalties to contrive an absorbing read. Sir Vivian Richards gets a glowing mention and also a pride of place as Botham's most trusted friend. The indefatigable Brian Close's ability (or the lack of it) in navigating the motor ways of England behind the wheel of a car makes for some hilarious reading. As could be expected, the dour Ian Chappell merits only a passing mention and not so enviable one at that - getting flattened and being sent flying across a couple of tables is not an incident that would fill the gritty Aussie with burning pride!
Botham proves that he is not at all averse to blowing his own trumpet. There are many passages where the protagonist showers immense encomiums upon himself much to the exclusion of all humanity. But there are also grounded chapters such as the one dealing with Botham's laudable efforts in raising funds for the Leukemia Research Foundation ("LRF") via his popular "charity walks".
"Head On " is one of the more readable and enthusiastically truthful autobiographies and the tone and tenor of the language bears ample testimony to the grit, guts and gumption of the man behind the pen. Sir Ian Terence Botham might be seen in some condescending circles as the perennial bad boy of cricket, but as the records would unhesitatingly reveal, he will also go down in history as one of the most colourful, talented and candid players to have ever graced the game!
"Head On" - Pure Beefy!
In his bare all autobiography England's greatest all rounder reveals his existence in a manner similar to that adopted by him while playing a game of cricket - no holding back! The result is a roller coaster ride coalescing triumph and tribulation. Whether it be describing his tempestuous affair with a waitress that almost rocked his married life or his immortal feats that savaged the Aussies in the now immortal "Botham's Ashes" in 1981, Sir Ian comes out with all guns blazing. The attitude is the exact one that got him to wade into many an Aussie attack and in the process garnered rollicking outcomes!
Tracing his career trajectory from the time he was a hyper active toddler till he received his knighthood, "Head on" plunges head first into a diverse range of subjects. Divisive politics compete with delightful loyalties to contrive an absorbing read. Sir Vivian Richards gets a glowing mention and also a pride of place as Botham's most trusted friend. The indefatigable Brian Close's ability (or the lack of it) in navigating the motor ways of England behind the wheel of a car makes for some hilarious reading. As could be expected, the dour Ian Chappell merits only a passing mention and not so enviable one at that - getting flattened and being sent flying across a couple of tables is not an incident that would fill the gritty Aussie with burning pride!
Botham proves that he is not at all averse to blowing his own trumpet. There are many passages where the protagonist showers immense encomiums upon himself much to the exclusion of all humanity. But there are also grounded chapters such as the one dealing with Botham's laudable efforts in raising funds for the Leukemia Research Foundation ("LRF") via his popular "charity walks".
"Head On " is one of the more readable and enthusiastically truthful autobiographies and the tone and tenor of the language bears ample testimony to the grit, guts and gumption of the man behind the pen. Sir Ian Terence Botham might be seen in some condescending circles as the perennial bad boy of cricket, but as the records would unhesitatingly reveal, he will also go down in history as one of the most colourful, talented and candid players to have ever graced the game!
"Head On" - Pure Beefy!
July 30, 2015
A very entertaining book full of stories both on the field and off.
Life is never dull in the life of Sir Ian Botham.
Life is never dull in the life of Sir Ian Botham.
January 12, 2022
I was going to give it 5 stars anyway because he's one of the greatest to have played the game and as someone who enjoyed his game (even though just on YouTube videos and highlights) I feel I owe it to the guy (which sounds crazy, I know!). But the good news is, this is one of the most forthright and honest autobiographies I've read. Even though the ideas in each chapter or sometimes even each paragraph isn't atomic, the stories make up for a great read. Any cricket fan who's interested in Botham or English cricket in the 70s and 80s should read this book. Also shows a celebrity's perspective on how the media and tabloids were leeches trying to suck the life out of anyone for any reason whatsoever. I hope that the English Cricket Board have become more honest and less bureaucratic in handling individuals who won't readily toe the line (alas, but I don't think they've learnt a whole lot, looking at the various scandals since he retired).
February 21, 2019
Fiend or hero, possibly both
Absorbing read, showing a truer side to cricketing hierarchy and the ludicrous situation in which they deliver snobbery on a grand scale. Amazing insight into a legend of cricket and his retirement including his greats and fails, the ups and downs and press attacks that would scare most people.
His unending work for leukaemia research is testament to a good person on a mission.
Brilliant read.
Absorbing read, showing a truer side to cricketing hierarchy and the ludicrous situation in which they deliver snobbery on a grand scale. Amazing insight into a legend of cricket and his retirement including his greats and fails, the ups and downs and press attacks that would scare most people.
His unending work for leukaemia research is testament to a good person on a mission.
Brilliant read.
April 13, 2022
A detailed account of Botham's cricketing career up to 2007. There are some wonderful anecdotes about famous cricketers and his encounters with the best as well as information about matches and his exploits and fails. What did surprise me was the racism in certain parts of the cricket world, including spectators and the die hard views of the English cricketing establishment.
March 27, 2025
I am really enjoying this book. It is about the life of Ian Botham, an all rounder who played for England for 15 years from 1977 to 1992.
It helped me see the years of effort and the extended support system needed to build a professional cricketer’s life. The county system (domestic cricket in England) had a pivotal role to play in developing their skillset as athletes. Ian Botham played for Somerset, Worcestershire and Durham in the English domestic cricket setup. He honed and refined his skills in the domestic setup over time.
It also shows you the many sacrifices needed to make it to the top of your field as an athlete. Cricket is an emotional and physical sport. The mental resilience of an athlete is extremely important for long term success as demonstrated in both these athletes lives. When you succeed the media will put you on a pedestal. When you fail they will beat you down at your lowest. Botham showed me that you have to focus on your skill and stay grounded in the good and bad times no matter what people outside say. Also have a strong understanding of your core inner circle.
It helped me see the years of effort and the extended support system needed to build a professional cricketer’s life. The county system (domestic cricket in England) had a pivotal role to play in developing their skillset as athletes. Ian Botham played for Somerset, Worcestershire and Durham in the English domestic cricket setup. He honed and refined his skills in the domestic setup over time.
It also shows you the many sacrifices needed to make it to the top of your field as an athlete. Cricket is an emotional and physical sport. The mental resilience of an athlete is extremely important for long term success as demonstrated in both these athletes lives. When you succeed the media will put you on a pedestal. When you fail they will beat you down at your lowest. Botham showed me that you have to focus on your skill and stay grounded in the good and bad times no matter what people outside say. Also have a strong understanding of your core inner circle.
October 29, 2019
Really enjoyable insight into the very eventful life on and off the field of a British sporting icon.
Unwavering confidence and self belief shines throughout along with a natural talent and good moral compass combining to mould one of they greatest cricketers of all time.
Nice read!
Unwavering confidence and self belief shines throughout along with a natural talent and good moral compass combining to mould one of they greatest cricketers of all time.
Nice read!
June 30, 2022
Honest, open and fun. Very enjoyable look back at the career of one of my all-time sporting heroes.
Also a real reminder / eye-opener regarding the nasty underbelly of the British media .. at the time. I'd like to think they have cleaned their act up a little, but I'm not so sure.
Also a real reminder / eye-opener regarding the nasty underbelly of the British media .. at the time. I'd like to think they have cleaned their act up a little, but I'm not so sure.
January 8, 2018
Some interesting nuggets and genuinely 'page turning' passages makes this worth a one time read. Nothing more, nothing less.
February 22, 2025
Thoroughly enjoyable. Honest and forthright with many insights into characters and authorities of the game, by a legend of the game. It probably helps that I'm batty about cricket.
May 25, 2013
Born with a natural genius for cricket, Botham began breaking records with bat and ball from a young age and soon became the man English cricket expected most from. After a troubled period as England's captain, Botham rose once again to become a national hero with his display in the Miracle Ashes of 1981. But, with his confrontational nature and wild streak, he began regularly making the wrong kind of headlines. With accusations of drink and drugs, affairs and ball-tampering, he became hounded by the tabloid pack, never sure whether they wanted him to triumph or implode. Now a Knight and just as famous for his tireless charity work, Beefy gives us the definitive story of his never-dull life and times in his own no-nonsense words.
January 23, 2013
Botham despite playing his career out before I got into the sport of cricket is one of those characters who with his natural talent and character has transcended eras, so I've always been quite a fan of Beefy. This book falls quite happily into the 'worth a read' category. There's nothing particularly earth-shattering or controversial but then for me, with only the odd exception biographies tend to all blend into one anyway. He's clearly holding a few bits back and I would have found more of an interrogation of his drinking habits interesting, but his exploits are more than enough to maintain your interest.
August 17, 2012
Enjoyed the book reading about the trials and tribulations of what some sports players have to contend with along their professional journies. Guess when we read autobiographies you could suggest we are being nosey reading them. But i have to take my hat off th Ian for mentioning about how other (we) everyday people trades and careers we choose are not always fortunate and lucky enough to travel like others abroad to watch and support the cricket and follow our teams round to all grounds. Thank goodness for sky.
Well spoken Ian true english gent.
Well spoken Ian true english gent.
May 2, 2015
Typical Beefy style book. He wears his heart on his sleeve. Completely honest and straight talk. We get a full measure of his genius, super confidence and also the measure of the man himself, warts and all. Bold and open autobiography!!
June 4, 2011
An entertaining book that gives an insight into the life of an enigma. Some sorties need to be taken with a pinch of salt though.
June 9, 2023
For such an exciting and controversial cricketer this is as dull as dishwater!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews