King Cricket is the classic autobiography of Sir Gary Sobers, widely regarded as one of the greatest all-rounders in the history of cricket. Written at the height of his playing career, the book offers a first-hand account of Sobers’ rise from Barbados prodigy to global cricket icon.
Sobers reflects on his formative years, international breakthroughs, and defining performances for the West Indies, providing insight into both the technical and mental demands of elite cricket. The narrative captures the spirit of post-war international cricket, offering commentary on touring life, Test cricket pressures, and the evolving professional game.
This edition forms part of the Pelham Sports Library, a highly regarded mid-20th-century sports paperback series, known for its accessible writing and strong photographic covers depicting iconic sporting moments.
Originally published in hardcover by Pelham Books in 1967. This book is the First Sphere Books paperback edition, 1969.
King Cricket in its first Sphere Books edition is increasingly sought after by:
cricket historians, West Indies cricket collectors, and Pelham Sports Library completists.
Copies in presentable condition are becoming harder to source as these paperbacks were heavily read and often discarded. Clean, intact examples with legible spines and complete pages are now far less common.
King Cricket – Gary Sobers | First Sphere Books Edition 1969 | Pelham Sports
Title: King Cricket
Author: Gary Sobers
Publisher: Sphere Books Limited
Original Publisher: Pelham Books Ltd
Place of Publication: London, England
Year: 1969
Edition: First Sphere Books Edition (1969)
First Published: Great Britain, 1967 (Pelham Books Ltd)
Format: Softcover (Pelham Sports Library series)
Pages: 160
Genre: Cricket | Sports Biography | AutobiographyCondition: Cover: general shelf wear consistent with age; scuffing, edge wear, and surface marks visible. Spine: intact, with reading creases present. Pages: toning and age-related discolouration throughout, typical of late-1960s. Binding: secure and complete. Overall Condition: Good / Good+ for a vintage sports paperback. This copy remains structurally sound and complete, with wear appropriate to a book over 50 years old.
































