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Product Description
Review
‘The cricket book of the year’
The Times
‘Plenty of indiscretion, malice and comedy’
Daily Telegraph
Plymouth Sunday Independent
'This unique book tells the story of his life in words and images,
covering his career at Somerset, Durham and Worcestershire, his unsurpassed
England outings and ascendancy to the captaincy, and his many other
interests, including his charity work and conservation trips and not
forgetting his incredible stint at Scunthorpe United.' --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
covering his career at Somerset, Durham and Worcestershire, his unsurpassed
England outings and ascendancy to the captaincy, and his many other
interests, including his charity work and conservation trips and not
forgetting his incredible stint at Scunthorpe United.' --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This is a slick, ghost written set of apologies for Ian Botham's larger than life antics which certainly had me laughing.
Let's be clear, Botham is the best cricketer England has produced since the War, maybe before that too, I don't know. His charity walks are fantastic and the guy deserves a knighthood, but oh how he lacks self-control.
A fairly standard chug through his early years is followed by some tortuous prose about the various 'controversies' including the discovery of cannabis in a raid on his home and the libel action he took out against Imran Khan.
The stuff about the cannabis is laugh out loud. How he took it from someone because it would be rude not to and then forgot to get rid of it. Yeah right. This ranks with the 'I never take drugs' statement that led to his abortive attempt to sue the Mail. When it became clear that he was lying, he was obliged to take part in a long, front page piece of grovelling which, credit where credit is due, is printed in full.
In his dealing with the South Africans, Botham shows himself to be, well, a bit thick. He gets all outraged when one of the SA negotiators says that Viv Richards could go to SA and 'be an honorary white man' but this is after he has flown in his own team of negotiators in to get his best price for defection. Not surprised Geoffrey Boycott had a pop; at least he was upfront about wanting the cash.
The whole book is a eulogy to his long-suffering wife Kath, but, really, you don't get to hear what she was really upset by. Him shutting her out or other stuff.
It's fun. He is a naughty schoolboy, getting into scrapes (like twisting the head of an airline passenger who had the temerity to complain about language - like lamping a policeman who was not doing what he wanted on a walk) and, generally, getting out of them.
Not the most cerebral work, but it's Ian Botham. What do you expect?
Let's be clear, Botham is the best cricketer England has produced since the War, maybe before that too, I don't know. His charity walks are fantastic and the guy deserves a knighthood, but oh how he lacks self-control.
A fairly standard chug through his early years is followed by some tortuous prose about the various 'controversies' including the discovery of cannabis in a raid on his home and the libel action he took out against Imran Khan.
The stuff about the cannabis is laugh out loud. How he took it from someone because it would be rude not to and then forgot to get rid of it. Yeah right. This ranks with the 'I never take drugs' statement that led to his abortive attempt to sue the Mail. When it became clear that he was lying, he was obliged to take part in a long, front page piece of grovelling which, credit where credit is due, is printed in full.
In his dealing with the South Africans, Botham shows himself to be, well, a bit thick. He gets all outraged when one of the SA negotiators says that Viv Richards could go to SA and 'be an honorary white man' but this is after he has flown in his own team of negotiators in to get his best price for defection. Not surprised Geoffrey Boycott had a pop; at least he was upfront about wanting the cash.
The whole book is a eulogy to his long-suffering wife Kath, but, really, you don't get to hear what she was really upset by. Him shutting her out or other stuff.
It's fun. He is a naughty schoolboy, getting into scrapes (like twisting the head of an airline passenger who had the temerity to complain about language - like lamping a policeman who was not doing what he wanted on a walk) and, generally, getting out of them.
Not the most cerebral work, but it's Ian Botham. What do you expect?
7 of 8 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I had this book sitting on my shelves for a number of years before I picked it up recently and absolutely churned through it.
Why did I wait so long?
Botham writes candidly about his life, both on and off the pitch - of the great highs and considerable lows.
Botham lives/d life to the full.
His cricket exploits were simply incredible.
What was even more surprising was the quality of this autobio. It reads fantastically well. All the major issues of his life are examined, and Botham writes candidly about these moments with refreshing clarity, truth and depth.
It's great to read a sporting bio that achieves all this. So many sporting bios are simply merchandsing tie ins. However, 'Botham' is one of the few cricket bios that stand alone as cricket history, but also a terrific bio of a true individual.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I found giving this book a rating out of five difficult, due to the fact that the enjoyment of this book depends very much on what you have read previously. It is a little samey to the other autobiographies from cricketers of this era especially Viv Richards' account, although in my opinion Bothams' is far better. I would have liked a few more recolections of his on the field experiences, and less of the nonsence surrounding him. Definitely worth reading especially for a deeper insight into his charity walks
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
An honest account from a Cricketing Legend
I recently read "Botham: My Autobiography" and wish to demarcate a few vital points for all reviewers wanting to buy the book for personal perusal; keeping in mind the following... Read more
Published on 1 April 2006 by Mr. S. Ghosh
A cricket book which entertains.
This book is great fun, and you will enjoy it even if you are not a great cricket fan.
Botham is not afraid to be controversial. Read more
Published on 10 Mar 2005 by SlamDunkMillionaire
Apologistic tripe
Only the most ardent Botham supporters would find this a wonderful book. But even they would be short changed as Botham's hypocrisy shines through - which sadly only serves to... Read more
Published on 6 Mar 2004
Hits for 6
Excellent. Very well written and easy to read. Amusing!
Published on 16 Jan 2004
Great cricketer, Great book
A great biography of the life of a true sporting legend. It covers both high and lows, good and bad times that he has encountered. Read more
Published on 15 Aug 2000
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