A History of West Indies Cricket is widely regarded as the definitive single-volume history of West Indies cricket, combining rigorous historical research with cultural, political, and social insight rarely matched in cricket literature.
Written by Michael Manley—former Jamaican Prime Minister and lifelong cricket devotee—the book traces the evolution of West Indies cricket from its colonial origins through to its rise as the most dominant force in world cricket during the late 20th century.
Rather than focusing solely on statistics or individual greatness, Manley places cricket within the broader Caribbean experience, examining how race, class, colonialism, independence, and identity shaped both the game and the players who came to embody West Indies pride on the world stage.
The work is masterfully introduced by Clive Lloyd, whose leadership defined the Golden Era, lending first-hand authority to Manley’s broader historical narrative.
The book covers:- early colonial cricket and inter-island competition; the struggle for recognition and equality in imperial cricket; the emergence of iconic figures such as Learie Constantine and George Headley; the rise of Caribbean confidence post-independence; the Golden Era of West Indies dominance and its cultural meaning.
True First Edition, first printing. Increasingly scarce in complete dust-jacketed condition.
