Jack Hobbs: Gentleman and Player is a concise yet affectionate tribute to one of cricket’s most revered figures, Jack Hobbs. Written by respected cricket journalist Pat Landsberg, the book celebrates Hobbs not only as a monumental run-scorer but as the embodiment of sportsmanship, humility, and professionalism in English cricket.
 
Rather than presenting a dense statistical biography, Landsberg focuses on Hobbs’ character and influence. The narrative traces Hobbs’ journey from modest beginnings to his rise as England’s premier opening batsman, highlighting the qualities that earned him universal respect: technical mastery, adaptability across eras and conditions, and an unfailing sense of fair play.
 
His longevity — spanning the pre-war, wartime, and post-war periods — is presented as a testament to discipline and love of the game.
 
The book also explores Hobbs’ role as a bridge between cricket’s amateur and professional traditions. Landsberg reflects on Hobbs’ partnerships, his calm authority at the crease, and his mentoring of younger players, portraying him as a figure who helped define the tone and values of English cricket in the first half of the 20th century.
 
A distinctive feature of this volume is the inclusion of a reflective chapter, “Then and Now,” written by Jack Hobbs himself, offering personal insights into how the game evolved during his lifetime. This first-hand contribution adds depth and authenticity, allowing readers to hear Hobbs’ own voice on changes in technique, professionalism, and cricketing culture.
 
Illustrated throughout and produced in an accessible format, Gentleman and Player was clearly intended for both cricket devotees and general readers.
 
Published in 1953, shortly after Hobbs’ death, it stands as a respectful memorial volume, capturing the essence of a man widely regarded as the greatest opening batsman the game has known.