Arlott in Conversation with Mike Brearley - John Arlott, Mike Brearley

‘To think that the cemetery keeper’s boy was going to be a commentator, a poet, an author even be conversed with by you…’

In 1985, John Arlott and Mike Brearley enthralled millions of cricket fans with a series of conversations recorded for television. Arlott in Conversation with Mike Brearley is based on those programmes.

John Arlott is known throughout the world as the very voice of cricket. In his writing and his radio commentaries, he has shown a uniquely powerful ability to convey his passion and sympathy and understanding for the game and its players.

Mike Brearley, one of the most perceptive and intelligent of players and a great captain of England, has been a friend and admirer of Arlott’s for many years. Quoting C L R James’s dictum, “What do they know of cricket who only cricket know?”, Brearley discusses with Arlott not just his wonderful memories and strongly held opinions of the game, but also the many other interests and enthusiasms that have made his life so rich – his childhood in Basingstoke, his early years as a BBC producer, his friendship with Dylan Thomas, his great knowledge of and passion for wine, his career in politics and his gift as a poet, to name but a few.

Above all, though, it is cricket which dominates this book and which is so wonderfully evoked in its pages. With Brearley adding his won characteristically interesting opinions and insights, the conversation is steeped in a sense of history and love for the game.

John Arlott and Mike Brearley have each in their different ways, achieved an enormous amount. Their conversation is immensely enjoyable to read.