- Hardcover: 320 pages
- Publisher: Headline Book Publishing; 1st edition (16 Sep 1999)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0747222967
- ISBN-13: 978-0747222965
- Product Dimensions: 23.4 x 15.4 x 3.4 cm
- Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 797,689 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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Product Description
Amazon.co.uk Review
During my time in the game, it always used to fascinate me the way England would have eight forwards, the smallest one being bigger than anyone in our pack, often dominate possession and still not beat us.If you're expecting the cosy, pipe and slippers approach, the "great times, great mates" school of autobiography, from one of rugby's most recognisable and respected characters, then you're in for a surprise.
Of course, the legends--JPR Williams, Barry John, Serge Blanco, David Campese, those historic trys--all figure in Gareth Edwards' recollections of the great Wales, Lions and Barbarians sides at the hearts of which he played. Any sports fan will relish this insider's view of the matches and players that epitomised an era of free-flowing brilliance in the Union game, but Edwards is at his most passionate and opinionated when observing his beloved sport as it is today.
For him, the pride of playing for your country is real, not something that you put on and take off with the shirt. That sensibility and a fierce commitment to plain speaking is brought to bear on the issues of the modern game. Rule changes, the roles of the national Unions, professionalism and the failings of England all come in for an uncompromising examination.
Whether looking back at his own career, including involvement in Apartheid-era tours of South Africa or looking to the future beyond the1999 World Cup, Edwards' honesty and insight make for refreshing reading. --Alex Hankin
Review
'Combines...charm with forthright views on rugby' -- Express
--This text refers to the
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I agree with another reviewer who said it was not really autobiographical, but opinions.Nonetheless I enjoyed reading Edwards's thoughts on the game.They summed up what I feel about the modern game, namely no space to move, everyone the same size, and the real social aspect of Rugby disappearing totally. I would not like to play rugby to-day, and in fact I prefer to watch rugby league-heresy!!
A thought provoking book on rugby, though now 10 years out of date.I enjoyed the book, and the trip down memory lane, remembering players that were my idols in the 60's and 70's
A thought provoking book on rugby, though now 10 years out of date.I enjoyed the book, and the trip down memory lane, remembering players that were my idols in the 60's and 70's
Format:Paperback
This is a very interesting read. Unusually for a biography it does not follow the life and actions of its subject but its more concerned with the thoughts of its subject on the game of rugby, drawing on the experiences of the author in forming those opinions. While this approach is unusual, and may even be a little disappointing for the rugby fan who wishes to have a blow-by-blow account of Gareth Edwards' many fine moments for Cardiff, Wales and the British Lions, there can be little complaint at such a well-written and well-argued set of opinions on the modern game. Right from the very beginning where the future popularity of the game is questioned given the interest in other sports and the decline of manual work in Wales and the UK, through his thoughts on wasted opportunities for northern hemisphere and English rugby to an insightful chapter on South African rugby to opinions on the professional game, Gareth Edwards shows himself to be a thoughtful participant and observer in the world of rugby and a person for whom the participation, camaraderie and friendships in the game are defining. This style offers far more insight into the nature of Gareth Edwards than narrative accounts of his great deeds on the field. Most interestingly of all perhaps, this book was written in 1999 yet reading it nearly ten years later removes none of its value.
1 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
A truly disappointing book from Gareth Edwards and "Peter Bills" the ghost writer of this inappropriately named book "The Autobiography". The narrative form is a stream of opinions and comments obviously based on conversation with little editing. By way of example the chapter described as The 1999 World Cup drifts aimlessly into the issue of nationality and Gareth competing in a schools track meet for England - all within the 13 pages designated to the topic. So for those hoping for a true autobiographical look at one of the greats and life with JPR, JJ and Barry - This book is a mess and best ignored
Most Recent Customer Reviews
Deeper and more honest than the average rugby autobiography.
More than any of the other autobiographies of famous rugby players, this book seems the most open and the most honest. Read more
Published on 24 Feb 2001 by realbookreview@gleeko.screaming.net
The book was incredible
The book was a great story of his life and career. He was the Micheal Jordan of rugby.
Published on 7 Feb 2000
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