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.
A History of West Indies Cricket – Michael Manley | 1st Ed 1988 HC DJ | Classic
Title: A History of West Indies Cricket
Author: Michael Manley
Introduction: Clive Lloyd
Publisher: André Deutsch Limited
Place of Publication: London, England
Year: 1988
Edition: First Edition
Format: Hardcover with Dust Jacket
Pages: 575 pages
ISBN: 0-233-98259-0
Genre: Cricket | West Indies History | Sporting CultureCondition: Hardcover with original dust jacket. Boards clean and firm; gilt lettering bright on spine. Internally clean with no loose pages or inscriptions. A solid very good to near fine example of a substantial reference work
































