A SUPERB, lavishly illustrated, full colour, 372-page hardback book in which players past and present, club members and other supporters share their unique memories of playing and watching this famous county cricket club founded in 1876.
In this veritable feast of nostalgia officially endorsed by Essex CCC, they turn back the clock to recall the key moments, matches, batsmen, bowlers, wicketkeepers, all-rounders, fielders and overseas stars who helped make this such a special, friendly club.
Spearheading the 25 players exclusively interviewed are legendary former England record-breaking batsman Graham Gooch (who also contributes the foreword), current England Test opener Alastair Cook, respected title-winning skipper Keith Fletcher, stylish South African batsman Ken McEwan, Nasser Hussain (now a Sky Sports co-commentator) and popular members from the trophy-winning seasons of the late 70s, 80s and early 90s, John Lever, Stuart Turner, Ray East, David Acfield, Neil Foster, Brian Hardie, Mark Ilott, Ronnie Irani, Derek Pringle, Paul Prichard and John Childs.
Recently retired Graham Napier, David Masters and Ashley Cowan also recall their highs and lows. Old stalwarts Robin Hobbs, the former England leg-spinner, Geoff Smith and Graham Saville evoke the bygone days of the pre-white ball era.
As well as the thoughts of 'Cookie', read the views of current heroes Ravi Bopara, Ryan ten Doeschate and James Foster, fresh from their back-to-back triumphs as second and first division County Championship winners in 2016 and 2017 respectively.
But this mammoth volume, containing 450-plus photos and 120,000 words, is as much about the die-hard supporters as it is the players who have worn the three seaxes with flair, pride and distinction. More than 100 have contributed their personal memories and anecdotes from following their team at Chelmsford, Colchester, Southend, Ilford, Brentwood, Romford, Clacton and the original County Ground at Leyton. Indeed, there is a section devoted to all 14 of the various festival outgrounds, plus the beloved mobile scoreboard (and the men who operated it) that trundled from place to place.
This labour of love collaboration by Essex-based duo Paul Hiscock and Tony McDonald is the first of its kind in county cricket and sure to be a big hit!
If you would prefer to send a cheque, please make it out for £30.00 payable to 'Inside Edge Books' and post it to our new address:
You have done an amazing job deserving of congratulations of, not only me, but everyone at Essex. I have been through my copy and there is delight on every page. I have heard nothing but plaudits from the Essex members, which I trust will lead to healthy sales. How you (and your team) achieved such miracles in the timescale you set yourself, I shall never know. Congratulations on a wonderful production. Tony Debenham (Chairman, Peter Edwards Museum management committee, Essex CCC)
A great balance of text, pictures and other ephemera. It is absolutely superb. One of the best books on cricket that I have seen. Nick Easingwood
An outstanding book. It covers so many aspects of Essex Cricket. Chris Butler
Looks to be a wonderful book, which will bring back many fond memories. My congratulations to all concerned. Vic Hare Read more reviews...
PLAYERS' REVIEWS
It’s world-class. A brilliant book full of memories from cover to cover. It’s excellent. Graham Gooch
For anyone who has ever had more than a passing interest in Essex Cricket, this is pure gold, especially some of the older photos, which I found fascinating. Derek Pringle
A wonderful read from cover to cover. Absolutely superb record of Essex cricket memories. James Foster
I absolutely loved every minute of it. This well put together book is full of great memories to treasure for everyone involved in Essex CCC. Keith Fletcher