A beautifully written collection from Neville Cardus, widely regarded as the greatest cricket writer of the 20th century, Good Days captures the game not as statistics, but as art, memory, and atmosphere.
Cardus transformed cricket writing—elevating it from reportage into literature. In this work, he reflects on players, matches, and moments with a lyrical, almost musical quality that remains unmatched.
This 1937 New Library Edition represents an interesting publishing moment:
- A budget hardback reissue series (2s/6d)
- Designed for accessibility, yet retaining strong aesthetic appeal
- Issued in a short-lived series of only 10 titles
The New Library series is relatively scarce — not widely documented and likely produced in a relatively small print run. Complete runs are seldom encountered, and individual titles in dust jacket are increasingly desirable.
Good Days (1937) – Neville Cardus | Jonathan Cape | Cricket Classic
Title: Good Days
Author: Neville Cardus
Publisher: Jonathan Cape Ltd
Place of Publication: London, England
Year: 1937
Edition: The New Library Edition No. 7 (First state)Category: Cricket / Literature / Essays
Format: Hardcover with Dust Jacket
Binding: Lime-green cloth boards with New Library device to front board; matching series design
Pagination: 288 pagesEdition Notes:
First state of the New Library issue, evidenced by:- Original price 2s/6d printed on dust jacket verso
- Full list of ten titles in the New Library series on rear panel
- Uniform early-series design format
Condition
Price-clipped dust jacket with general shelf wear and some edge chipping (notably to lower spine and front edge). Minor toning and light handling marks. Cloth boards bright and clean with strong colour retention. Internally clean with light age toning only. Binding firm.
Overall a very good copy in a scarce series dust jacket.
