George Lohmann : Pioneer Professional

Winner of the 2008 Cricket Society Book of the Year Award. George Lohmann had a better average and strike rate than any other bowler in Test cricket. A pioneer of the art of medium-pace bowling, brilliant fielder and dashing batsman, this book shows he was the main force behind Surrey's domination of county cricket in the late nineteenth century. In societies divided by class and race, both on and off the field, he was aware of his commercial value and played a major part in establishing the respectability of the professional cricketer. Educated and articulate, he was prepared to challenge the establishment and question the hypocrisy of professionals' pay and amateurs' 'expenses'. Tragically his life was cut short at the age of 36 due to pulmonary tuberculosis. In an ultimately unsuccessful search for a cure he spent the last part of his short life in South Africa where he played a major role in the development of the game and the coaching of its rising stars. The book perfectly captures cricket in Victorian England and the fledgling, 'wild west' South Africa. England legend Geoff Boycott included Lohmann in his all-time greatest team.