Sir Donald Bradman, written by Anthony Davis and published by Cassell & Co Ltd in 1960, is a classic mid-century biography of Donald Bradman, produced at a time when Bradman’s playing career had ended but his influence on the game was still immediate and keenly felt.
Davis presents a clear, accessible account of Bradman’s life and cricketing career, tracing his rise from prodigious youth to the dominant figure of Test cricket. The book reflects the perspective of the post-war era, balancing admiration for Bradman’s achievements with considered discussion of his temperament, leadership, and role within Australian cricket. Particular attention is given to the Ashes contests, Bradman’s captaincy, and the enduring legacy of his record-breaking feats.
Published as part of Cassell’s Red Lion Lives series, the book is distinguished by its striking dustjacket portrait and concise format. While not as intimate as near-contemporary biographies written by close associates, it remains an important interpretive work that helped shape how Bradman was understood by readers in the decades following his retirement.
For collectors, Sir Donald Bradman (1960) occupies a valuable position between early, contemporary accounts and later modern reassessments. First-edition copies in original dustjacket are increasingly sought after, particularly those retaining the vivid cover artwork and strong bindings typical of Cassell’s production standards of the period.
