The Don

click here for more details, find new or used items	Roland Perry Pages: 645 (Unknown Binding) ISBN: 0732908272 Pub: Macmillan Pub date: 1995

Reader Reviews:

The myth not the man (1/1 people found this helpful)

If you are looking for deep insights into Bradman the man, then this is not the book for you. This is for cricket lovers only. Almost every Bradman innings is described in exhaustive detail and little insight is gained into what truly motivated him or what he was thinking during the heights of his career. As an example of the focus on cricket the six years of World War 2 are dealt with in just three pages. There is also not a single word of criticism in the original chapters, only during the added sections (presumably in a response to critics), and it is clear that the author is an unabashed fan. This is the work’s principle weakness in that, rather than discover the human behind the myth, it is almost as if Perry is trying to enhance the legend. He also seems too keen on attacking, or pointing out the flaws in, the Don’s detractors and his constant attacks on Douglas Jardine (whether merited or not) come across as if he has been contracted as some sort of hit man in print.

However the description of the cricket matches themselves is excellent and conveys accurately just how important Bradman was to the cricketing balance of power and what a public attraction he was. It is a shame that such thorough research and accuracy in these sections of on-field action is let down by some proof-reading errors (giving the score as 1 for 76 after the second wicket had just gone down for example).

This work would be valuable in forming part of the Bradman story, but it is some way from the whole one. For that I can’t help feeling that a non-Australian author would be better suited to the task. The Don is simply too important for an Australian to be dispassionate about.

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