Wisden celebrates 150 years of existence
Source: AFP |
April 11, 2013, Thursday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
IT started as a work of a former cricketer looking to secure an income in his retirement and was priced at a modest 1 shilling.
By contrast, yesterday saw the publication of the 150th edition of Wisden Cricketers' Almanack, with the hardback edition a somewhat more expensive 50 pounds (US$76).
In the intervening years the publication founded by John Wisden - an English professional bowler - has established itself as the "bible of cricket".
Published every year since 1864 - not even two world wars interrupted the unbroken sequence - the appearance of the annual, primarily a review of the previous year's English cricket season but now encompassing the global cricket calendar, has become a landmark event.
That first edition was a 112-page work, in contrast to the some 1,500 pages needed to encompass the modern game, and included such random details as the lengths of Britain's canals.
Also there were the dates of the Wars of the Roses - a series of dynastic wars fought for the English crown in the 15th century - and the rules of an ancient pub game called Knur and Spell. But over time features that have become staples made their first appearance, with 1889 marking the debut of the Almanack's Cricketers of the Year - a highly prized award which a player can win only once.
Recipients have ranged from giants of the game in the 19th and early 20th centuries such as WG Grace and Jack Hobbs to modern-day greats from Viv Richards and Ian Botham to current England skipper Alastair Cook and Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar.
By contrast, yesterday saw the publication of the 150th edition of Wisden Cricketers' Almanack, with the hardback edition a somewhat more expensive 50 pounds (US$76).
In the intervening years the publication founded by John Wisden - an English professional bowler - has established itself as the "bible of cricket".
Published every year since 1864 - not even two world wars interrupted the unbroken sequence - the appearance of the annual, primarily a review of the previous year's English cricket season but now encompassing the global cricket calendar, has become a landmark event.
That first edition was a 112-page work, in contrast to the some 1,500 pages needed to encompass the modern game, and included such random details as the lengths of Britain's canals.
Also there were the dates of the Wars of the Roses - a series of dynastic wars fought for the English crown in the 15th century - and the rules of an ancient pub game called Knur and Spell. But over time features that have become staples made their first appearance, with 1889 marking the debut of the Almanack's Cricketers of the Year - a highly prized award which a player can win only once.
Recipients have ranged from giants of the game in the 19th and early 20th centuries such as WG Grace and Jack Hobbs to modern-day greats from Viv Richards and Ian Botham to current England skipper Alastair Cook and Indian legend Sachin Tendulkar.
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