Peter Roebuck (1) (1956–2011)

While this is an enjoyably written history of the club, Roebuck's personal involvement in the story overly colours his account. Roebuck is a good writer with a gift for an amusing turn of phrase. He has the great advantage that he knows Somerset and he knows cricket – not just contemporary players, but those of an earlier generation too. Unfortunately his personal perspective mars his objectivity – a quality to be sought for in an 'official' history. Roebuck's bugbears – e.g. amateur players, adherance to tradition, the size and influence of committees – are a constant, even when he is discussing events of the 19th and early 20th century. When it comes to providing an account of his own era, his account is inevitably skewed. As a major participant in Somerset's most notorious controversy – the release of Richards and Garner, followed by the departure of Botham – Roebuck cannot be expected to provide a neutral perspective. These issues aside, this book is an enjoyable account of Somerset CCC – especially the early years. It led me to seek out other Somerset writers such as David Foot and R C Robertson-Glasgow. Recommended, with the above caveats.… (mehr)