Wisden on Grace: An Anthology

Wisden was initially published in 1864, the same year that William Gilbert Grace, then age sixteen, made his debut in first-class cricket. The great man made his first appearance in the 1865 edition and two years later Wisden reported his 224 not out against Surrey at The Oval. From then on, W. G. was the main headline in each year’s annual as he cast his considerable shadow over the game. Today the continuing interest in Grace, and his influence on cricket, is remarkable.

Wisden on Grace records the highlights of an astonishing playing career--W. G. remains not only one of the top ten run-scorers of all time, but also one of the top ten wicket-takers--with notable scorecards, match reports, and records. But the real treasures are to be found in the opinions and articles written about--and sometimes by--W. G. during his lifetime and after. Whether it is first-class status for matches, the professionalism debate, or the question of throwing, the game’s eternal issues are to be found here.

In the year of the centenary of W. G.’s death, Wisden’s tribute to Grace gives a clear picture of the way that Grace and the game in general have been viewed over the past 150 years, and is a delight for any cricket lover.