The Game of the Season is widely regarded as one of the most charming and evocative works of cricket literature ever written. First published in 1931, it captures the essence of English village cricket at a time when the game was as much about tradition, character, and community as it was about competition.
 
Rather than focusing on famous players or international matches, de Selincourt turns his attention to the rhythms of amateur cricket — the quiet tension of a local fixture, the personalities of club players, and the subtle drama that unfolds across a single match. His writing is rich with atmosphere, gently humorous, and deeply observant, bringing to life a world where cricket is woven into the fabric of everyday life.
 
The narrative builds around a much-anticipated match — “the game of the season” — portraying not just the contest itself, but the anticipation, preparation, and social backdrop that surround it.
 
Through elegant prose, de Selincourt elevates a simple village game into a timeless reflection on sport, tradition, and English rural culture.
 
Often compared to the finest examples of early 20th-century sporting writing, this book remains a favourite among collectors and readers who appreciate cricket not just as a sport, but as a way of life.