Biographies and Autobiographies - SportTalking Books
The titles in this booklist are just a selection of the titles available for loan from the RNIB National Library Talking Book Service.
Don’t forget you are allowed to have up to 6 books on loan. When you return a title, you will then receive another one.
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Athletics
Runyan, Marla
No finish line: my life as I see it. 2001. Read by Rosemary Ronald, 9 hours 10 minutes. TB 15280.
The author was nine-years-old when she was diagnosed with a maculardegenerative disease. This did not hold back her dreams of becoming aworld class athlete, competing in the women's heptathlon and qualifyingfor the U.S. Olympic trials. She tells what it is like growing up disabledand what it means to compete at the world-class level where for her, thereis no finish line. TB 15280.
Boxing
Cooper, Henry
Henry Cooper - an autobiography. 1972. Read by Alvar Lidell, 7 hours 52 minutes. TB 2120.
Britain's former heavyweight boxing champion tells his story withlight-hearted candour. TB 2120.
Remnick, David
King of the world: Muhammad Ali and the rise of an American hero. 1998. Read by Peter Marinker, 12hours 10minutes, TB 13146.
On the night in 1964 that Muhammad Ali stepped into the ring with Sonny Liston, he was widely regarded as an irritating freak who danced and talked way too much. Six rounds later Ali was not only the new world heavyweight boxing champion: he was "a new kind of black man" who would shortly transform America's racial politics, its popular culture, and its notions of heroism. Contains strong language. TB 13146.
Cricket
Arlott, John
Fred, portrait of a fast bowler. 1971. Read by Garard Green, 8hours 27minutes, TB 2042.
The story of a man who played first-class cricket for twenty years by one who has observed him and talked with him from the beginning of his career. TB 2042.
Barker, Ralph.
Ten great innings. 1964. Read by Alvar Lidell, 7hours 23minutes, TB 779.
Recalls some fine cricket by Hobbs, Constantine, McCabe, Bradman,Gimblett, Hutton, Edrich, Compton, Endean and Washbrook during the period 1926 to 1956. TB 779.
Benaud, Richie
Anything but: an autobiography. 1998. Read by Nigel Graham, 11hours 37minutes, TB 11924.
The story of cricketer Richie Benaud, covering his days in depression-ridden Australia, his leadership of the Aussie team and his life as a commentator. It looks into sporting politics, how the administrators affect the game and players, and the media wheeling and dealing behind the scenes. TB 11924.
Bird, Dickie
Dickie Bird: my autobiography. 1997. Read by Richard Derrington, 11hours 23minutes, TB 11283.
Dickie Bird, a loved and respected umpire in world cricket, has endeared himself to millions with his idiosyncratic style and infectious humour. His story starts with his youth in Barnsley, his early days as a cricketer, and his experiences of the international scene. He also has serious and constructive points to make about the modern game. TB 11283.
Botham, Ian
Botham: my autobiography: don't tell Kath. 1994. Read by Jonathan Oliver, 14hours 30minutes, TB 10720.
Ian Botham charts his development from a promising youngster to a great allrounder in the world of cricket. But Botham, hero of the crowds, was also Botham the scourge of the establishment and the target of the tabloids. A heady brew of sex, drugs and rock'n'roll surrounded the man who, by his own admission, played hard both on and off the field. Through it all he has managed to make news, to entertain and to raise millions of pounds for charity. Here he sets the record straight. TB 10720.
Cowdrey, Colin
The incomparable game. 1970. Read by Alvar Lidell, 3hours 36minutes, TB 1468.
One of England's most experienced players looks back over 20 years of first-class cricket. TB 1468.
D'Oliveira, Basil
Time to declare: an autobiography. 1980. Read by Christopher Slade, 6hours 7minutes, TB 3874.
The autobiography of a famous cricketer, with an introduction by John Arlott. TB 3874.
Gooch, Graham
Gooch: my autobiography.1995. Read by Jon Cartwright, 11hours 29minutes, TB 10736.
Gooch, together with cricket writer Frank Keating, charts his own progress to a world-class opening batsman and assertive leader. He puts right the misconceptions that have punctuated his long career – his stubborn stand over South Africa, his regimental leadership and dedication to the cause of English cricket, and family disagreements. Honest yet forthright, reflective but passionate, this is a tribute to an inspirational cricketer. TB 10736.
Gower, David
Gower: the autobiography. 1992. Read by Michael Lumsden, 8hours 23minutes,TB 9959.
One of the most brilliant and gifted Test batsmen of recent times, and the greatest left hander since Sobers and Pollock, Gower has often fallen foul of the critics, who question his "laid back" approach and lack of application, and accuse him of being a bad influence on younger players. Here he responds to these charges, and reveals himself as a witty, frank and independent observer of the international scene, and, despite what his critics say, totally committed to the game of cricket. TB 9959.
Howat, Gerald Malcolm David
Learie Constantine. 1975. Read by Alvar Lidell, 9hours 44minutes, TB 2824.
The life of the famous cricketer who became a life peer and governor of the BBC.TB 2824.
James, C L R
Beyond a boundary. 1996. Read by Colin Salmon, 11hours 5minutes, TB 13617.
Part memoir of a Caribbean childhood, part passionate celebration of cricket, this book was first published over thirty years ago. The author uses his love of cricket to explore the not always "sporting" relationship between Empire and the West Indies. The book brings the outsider an insight into pre-Independence West Indian culture, as well as examining the colonial condition. TB 13617.
Johnston, Brian
It's been a piece of cake: a tribute to my favourite Test cricketers. 1989. Read by Alexander John, 10hours 22minutes, TB 8710.
"It's been a piece of cake" is a delightful and witty collection of pieces about cricketers the author has known and loved, from one of the best-known commentators in the game. TB 8710.
Johnston, Brian
It's been a lot of fun. 1974. Read by Tony Chambers, 9hours 45minutes, TB 6352.
For the average cricket lover, the gentle tones of veteran cricket commentator Brian Johnston typify all that is best in an English cricketing summer. His life-story is coloured by a vast store of cricketing knowledge and a repertoire of amusing anecdotes. TB 6352.
Johnston, Brian
Someone who was; reflections on a life of happiness and fun. 1992. Read by Garard Green, 9hours 50minutes, TB 9860.
When Brian Johnston was recognised by a member of the public as "someone who was", it nearly ruined his day, but on reflection he realised that though he was then very active, in two or three years she would almost certainly be right, and that it would be a splendid title for a book looking back on his life. Published to celebrate his eightieth birthday, this book of reminiscences - an A-Z format inspired by Flanagan and Allen's famous "A for horses" - ranges from prep school, the author's early working life in the family coffee business in Brazil, his war experiences in the Grenadier Guards, being hypnotised and singing with Bud Flanagan for "In town tonight", to his long love affair with cricket, including his many years with "Test Match Special". TB 9860.
McDonald, Trevor
Clive Lloyd. 1986. Read by Trevor McDonald, 6hours 55minutes, TB 6456.
This meticulously researched, authorised biography of the legendary batsman and most successful long-serving captain in Test history abounds with insights into cricket and its political significance in the West Indies. TB 6456.
Mosey, Don
Fred: then and now. 1992. Read by Peter Wickham, 7hours 47minutes, TB 10053.
"Fiery Fred" Trueman was the greatest fast bowler in the world, and the first in the history of cricket to take 300 Test wickets. Today he is as well known as critic, broadcaster, entertainer and TV Personality, as he was when he was the scourge of Test and county batsmen everywhere. Fiery and controversial, a man of strong opinions and strong words, his bowling was hallmarked by its sheer naked hostility and fine technique. TB 10053.
Rae, Simon
W G Grace: a life. 1998. Read by Crawford Logan, 23hours 41minutes, TB 11616.
Grace burst onto the cricket scene in the 1860s with spectacular force, dominating the game until the end of the century. Exploiting the power his popularity gave him, he amassed great wealth. This biography draws on diaries, letters and Grace's own library. It offers a radical analysis of his career, and reviews the more controversial aspects of his conduct. It also focuses on his family background, his career as a doctor, and his ambitions and bereavements as a father. TB 11616.
Richards, Viv
Sir Vivian: the definitive autobiography. 2000. Read by Nigel Graham, 12hours 37minutes, TB 13620.
Vivian Richards, West Indies Captain between 1985 and 1991, had been voted the best international cricketer of the last twenty-five years by his peers. Seven years after his retirement from the game Richards tells the story. Playing days in England for Somerset and Glamorgan are recalled, alongside many memorable matches for the West Indies, and opinions on opponents and team-mates from around the world. Contains strong language. TB 13620.
Trueman, Fred
Ball of fire: an autobiography. 1976. Read by Peter Gray, 7hours 16minutes, TB 2983.
The author, known as one of the great fast bowlers of his day, has set down his turbulent story from birth to the present day. TB 2983.
Trueman, Fred
My most memorable matches. 1982. Read by Stanley McGeagh, 4hours 30minutes, TB 6537.
"I have always likened cricket in Yorkshire to rugby in Wales. It's as near to a religion as you can get. So to play for Yorkshire is the highest attainment of anyone born in its broad acres." Thus said Fred Trueman, one of the greatest fast bowlers, in 1982. He was absorbed in cricket from childhood and has bowled at the top for longer than anyone else in the country. Here he relives his favourite matches. A book about the "fun and joy" of cricket. TB 6537.
Cycling
Armstrong, Lance
It's not about the bike: my journey back to life. 2001. Read by Jeff Harding, 10hours 40minutes, TB 13276.
This is the autobiography of Lance Armstrong who won the 1999 Tour de France in spectacular style, taking four stages and both a mountain and a time trial. His story is even more remarkable because he was diagnosed with stage four testicular cancer in October 1996. Contains strong language. TB 13276.
Fishing
Watson, David
Of fish and men: tales of a Scottish fisher. 2000. Read by David C Watson, 3hours 4minutes, TB 13415.
This work is a collection of perceptive and humorous anecdotes from nearly forty years of fishing, linked by a commentary on the author's life and times. The book is about much more than fishing; it is about characters and countryside, and about the struggle to forge a life and career in Scotland during the depression of the 1970s and 1980s. TB 13415.
Football
Best, George
Blessed: the autobiography. 2001. Read by John Cormack, 10hours 15minutes,TB 13280.
Christened the fifth Beatle at his peak, George Best was the first pop star footballer. He remains one of the greatest footballing figures of the 20th century. At last Best is ready to open his heart and engage us in his life story, from the halcyon days at Manchester United and the European Cup win of '68, to the string of affairs and scandal that followed him from the bars to the bankruptcy courts and even to prison. Contains strong language. TB 13280.
Best, George
The good, the bad and the bubbly. 1990. Read by John Cormack, 5hours 25minutes, TB 9559.
This is the autobiography of the legendary football genius. George Best gives an honest account of his meteoric rise to stardom and dramatic fall into alcoholism. TB 9559.
Charlton, Bobby
Forward for England. 1967. Read by Michael de Morgan, 7hours 30minutes, TB 466.
The autobiography of one of the greatest personalities in the game of football today. TB 466.
Charlton, Jack
Jack Charlton: the autobiography. 1996. Read by Mark Elstob, 9hours 57 minutes, TB 11320.
This is Jack Charlton's full story. It tells of his childhood in the Northumberland mining village of Ashington. He was the eldest of four brothers, one of whom was the phenomenally gifted Bobby, now Sir Bobby Charlton. His mother was from the famous Milburn footballing family, therefore, it was in Jack's blood to escape a life down the mine by joining Leeds United in 1952. By the time he hung up his boots more than twenty years later, he had made 629 League appearances for Leeds, still a club record. Truly, Jack Charlton was one of the last of the great one-club players. TB 11320.
Clough, Brian
Clough: the autobiography. 1995. Read by Alan Gilchrist, 9hours 13minutes, TB 10898.
A footballing legend tells his extraordinary story. TB 10898.
Dalglish, Kenny
Dalglish: my autobiography. 1996. Read by Jonathan Hackett, 11hours 53minutes, TB 11172.
In this remarkable and often forthright autobiography, Dalglish reveals some of the professional and personal reasons behind various decisions he has taken that at the time seemed puzzling to his numerous fans. His track record proves that he did indeed make the right ones. TB 11172.
Ferguson, Alex
Alex Ferguson: managing my life - my autobiography. 1999. Read by Crawford Logan, 17hours 14minutes, TB 12072.
This is the autobiography of Alex Ferguson - he runs the Manchester United Football players with a rod of iron, but is respected for his managerial style and for the way he cares for the welfare of his players. TB 12072.
Ferguson, Alex
A year in the life: the manager's diary. 1995. Read by Jonathan Hackett, 13hours 14minutes, TB 10545.
A personal and revealing football diary by the most successful manager working in British football: Alex Ferguson. Here the Manchester United manager talks about his signing of Andy Cole and reveals the real story behind the Cantona affair. He also reflects on the wider problems which beset the national game over the 1994-95season. TB 10545.
Gerrard, Steven
Gerrard: my autobiography. 2007. Read by John McGrellis, 15 hours 8 minutes. TB 15704.
Steven Gerrard is a hero to millions, not only as the inspirationalcaptain of Liverpool FC, but as a key member of the England team. Here,for the first time, he tells the story of his lifelong obsession with football, in an honest and revealing book which captures the extraordinary camaraderie, the soul-destroying tensions and the high-octane thrills of themodern game as never before. Contains strong language. TB 15704.
Gibson, John
Wor Jackie: the Jackie Milburn story. 1990. Read by Alan Gilchrist, 4hours, TB 8359.
After the Second World War, when soccer grounds were packed, Wor Jackie was a goal-scoring legend, playing for Newcastle and England. A pit lad from Ashington, he wrote to Newcastle for a trial and began his glittering career, achieving great things for himself and his club. John Gibson reveals previously untold stories of Jackie Milburn's career from the back streets to Wembley and the World Cup. TB 8359.
Harding, John
Alex James. 1988. Read by Crawford Logan, 6hours 57minutes. TB 7974.
Arguably the finest inside forward of all time, Alex James is remembered not only for his playing skills, but also for his knack of making his name known outside footballing circles. In this lively biography, John Harding has drawn on the recollections of men and women who knew James well, to recreate the life and times of a remarkable man. TB 7974.
Hurst, Geoff
1966 and all that: my autobiography. 2001. Read by Steve Hodson, 12hours 45minutes, TB 13539.
Catapulted to fame in only his eighth international, Geoff Hurst scored a hat trick against West Germany in the 1966 World Cup final. His final goal has been played so many times that it has dominated his life ever since. This autobiography shows that there is more to the man than that one day. He relives the golden era in which he played, reveals some behind-the-scenes stories of events with England and his club sides that have never previously emerged, and he offers his views on the modern game. TB 13539.
Keane, Roy
Keane: the autobiography. 2002. Read by John Cormack and Steve Hodson, 9hours 27minutes, TB 13323.
In 1994, Keane travelled to the World Cup in America, where as a young player in an experienced team his domination of the midfield helped Jack Charlton's Ireland beat finalists Italy. Years later, as captain of the national side, Keane was crucial to his team's qualification for the 2002 finals from a group few predicted they could survive. And then it all went catastrophically wrong when, days before the tournament began, he was sensationally sent home - his unflagging, uncompromising will to win had led to his undoing. Roy Keane tells his story. Contains strong language. TB 13323.
Keegan, Kevin
My autobiography. 1997. Read by John Cormack, 13hours 49minutes, TB 11565.
In his candid autobiography, Kevin Keegan answers the question of why he left Newcastle United, having built it into the most exciting force in English football. He reveals the secrets behind the myth of a man who has been a pivotal influence on the way football is played, managed and perceived in England. He talks about the many courageous decisions he has taken throughout his career, and provides an insight into the high-profile, high-pressure world of modern football management. TB 11565.