A Last English Summer

Combining reportage, anecdote, biography, history, and personal recollection, A Last English Summeris an honest and passionate reflection on cricket's past, present, and future. In 2009 the county system looked directionless and obsolete; more than ever, the players blessed with central contracts seemed separate from, rather than a part of, the domestic game. The home Ashes series was for the first time only available on cable TV and, of course, the juggernaut of Twenty20 threatened to flatten all but the Test form of the game, suggesting it may soon eclipse even that as well. Duncan Hamilton has preserved this seminal, convulsing season, which in years to come may be seen as a turning point in the history of cricket. In the process he embarks on a journey--often a deeply personal one--through the history and spirit of the game.

Duncan Hamilton wrote Provided You Don’t Kiss Me which won the William Hill Sports Book of the Year for 2007 and a British Sports Book Award in 2008. In 2009, he was awarded the William Hill again for Harold Larwood, as well as winning the prestigious Wisden Book of the Year for 2009 and biography of the year at the 2010 British Sports Book Awards.