Bradman vs Bodyline

by Roland Perry

The definitive story of the most controversial chapter in the history of Australian and English cricket, the notorious Bodyline series, by Roland Perry, author of Sir Donald Bradman's authorised biography, The Don .'Roland Perry is gloriously readable, always thoughtful.' WisdenThe 1932-33 Ashes was the most notorious and polarising series in the history of cricket.The events of that turbulent summer centred around Don Bradman, the greatest batsman ever to play the game. With him in their side, Australia appeared unbeatable. And yet England alleged they had found the one shortcoming in Bradman's extraordinary technique. Their ruthless attempts to exploit that real or imagined vulnerability created an international crisis that threatened the very fabric of the Empire.Using new material and his previous unparalleled access to Sir Donald Bradman, Roland Perry has written the definitive account of Bradman and the Bodyline series. Compelling, extensively researched and full of new insights, Bradman vs Bodyline takes us behind the scenes as first Arthur Carr then Douglas Jardine planned a 'fast leg theory' attack designed to potentially injure Australia's unstoppable batsman, and the rest of the team, to allow England to retake the Ashes.From Bodyline's genesis in English county cricket to the key protagonists of Jardine, Harold Larwood and Bradman himself, Roland Perry has written the complete and captivating story of a sporting outrage that came closer to destroying the relationship between Australia and England than anything before or since.Praise for The Don , Roland Perry's bestselling biography of Sir Donald Bradman' The Don is a sterling biography . . . it gives a riveting account of many of Bradman's innings, and one can almost feel the excitement that gripped cricket fans when he strode out to bat.' Herald Sun'A riveting and engrossing account of the life and times of cricket's mega hero . . . Bradmanlike in research and presentation.' Australian Cricket Magazine

356 pages, Mass Market Paperback

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

[Grant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Comprehensive, interesting and engaging.

A comprehensive account of the infamous “Bodyline” 1932-33 Ashes series. Doesn’t just detail the events of the series but also traces Bodyline back to its roots – leg theory and, particularly, fast leg theory and details what happened afterwards, including changes to the rules and the use of intimidatory short-pitched bowling in later years, including the 2010s.

Most significantly, the story of Bodyline is largely told through the stories of the key players: Don Bradman, Douglas Jardine, Harold Larwood and, quite interestingly and edifyingly, Arthur Carr, Larwood’s captain at Nottinghamshire and the man who effectively invented Bodyline. As with Bodyline itself, their stories don’t end when the 1932-33 Ashes ends but we see what they did in later years and how the Bodyline series had an impact on their later lives.

Some good detail and is a very engaging read. Is a bit hyperbolic at times though and maybe a smidge Australian-centric (the author, Roland Perry, is Australian). These are the only negatives.

[Cameron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating, poignant and detailed, Perry's book on Bodyline is the most complete I have read. Looking at all aspects from the beginnings of all major characters, tracking their development and the development of "the idea", through the series itself and well into the aftermath. Infinitely readable and engaging throughout, Perry remains impartial on the main protagonists and gives all sides of the story. Outstanding.

[Lachlan MacCorquodale · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book about the Bodyline series. Interesting look at the origin of the method and who were the key individuals in bringing it to the forefront

[S Ravishankar · Rating 4 out of 5]

A blow-by-blow account of the run-up to the body-line series and its aftermath.

[Xavier Bochat · Rating 3 out of 5]

Seems like a bit of a Bradman fan boy. Reasonable insight to the build up to Bodyline and the fallout. Wouldn’t say it’s particularly well written though.

[Eddie Letcher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating insight into mid-war cricket and Bradman. For the nuffy cricket fan.