Wisden Cricketers' Almanack 2019

Wisden Cricketers' Almanack 2019 is the 156th edition of the annual cricket reference book, published by Bloomsbury and edited by Lawrence Booth. Here is a comprehensive overview of the book:

Key Themes

• England One-Day Team: The book charts the rise and rise of the England one-day team as they prepare for a home World Cup in the summer of 2019.
• Historical Revisits: It also revisits significant moments in cricket history, such as the 1979 World Cup.
• Sports Writing: The book contains some of the finest sports writing of the year, reflecting on various aspects of cricket and its culture.

Plot Summary

The Wisden Cricketers' Almanack 2019 is not a narrative-driven book but rather a comprehensive reference guide to cricket. It includes detailed statistics, player profiles, team performances, and historical reviews. The content is structured to provide a deep dive into the world of cricket, making it a valuable resource for both enthusiasts and professionals.

Critical Reception

The book has received widespread acclaim for its quality and relevance to cricket lovers. Here are some excerpts from reviews:

• Vic Marks, The Guardian: "Wisden is a source of delight for cricket lovers and the 2019 edition, edited once again by Lawrence Booth, does not disappoint".
• Sunday Express: "a treasure to relish".
• Philip Collins, Waitrose Weekend: "By a distance the greatest book ever published".
• The Cricketer: "There is no debate over the quality of the publication... Fine reading".
• Evesham Observer: "As intriguing and indispensable as ever".
• Rob Smyth, ESPN: "Even at the age of 155, Wisden intends to keep on turning. It still sets the standard, whether it's bought as a gift, a decoration, an encyclopaedia or a huge magazine. The Wisden Almanack is all things to all men. And to all women.".

Additional Information

• Publication History: The first edition of Wisden was published in 1864, and it has been an annual publication ever since.
• Collectibility: Early editions of Wisden are highly collectible and can command high prices, with the first edition selling for one shilling and rare copies selling for thousands of pounds.

Overall, Wisden Cricketers' Almanack 2019 is a revered publication that continues to set the standard for cricket reference books, offering a rich tapestry of cricket history, statistics, and insightful writing.