The former Prime Minister examines the history of one of the great loves of his life.

The former Prime Minister examines the early history of one of the great loves of his life in a book that sheds new light on the summer game's social origins. In this work, the author examines the game from its origins up to the coming of World War I. Along the way he considers the crucial role of the wealthy patrons who gambled huge sums on early matches; the truth behind the legends that have grown up around the famous Hambledon Club; changes in rules and techniques--including the transition from underarm to overarm bowling--the long standing but often blurred distinction between "gentlemen" and "players;" the coming of the MCC and its role as the supreme arbiter of the game; the spread of cricket throughout the British Empire; and the emergence of the county game and international competition.