The Little Wonder: The Remarkable History Of Wisden

The Wisden Cricketers' Almanack, commonly known as Wisden, is considered the bible of cricket. This small, yellow book has a rich, remarkable history that spans over a century and continues to be cherished by cricket enthusiasts worldwide. Let's delve into the captivating journey of this little wonder.

The Birth of Wisden

Wisden was first published in 1864 by John Wisden, a professional cricketer and entrepreneur. Originally, it started off as a modest 112 pages booklet which contained scores of the previous year. So, what made this particular cricket almanack stand out from its competitors?

The secret behind its success was the inclusion of valuable insights, statistics, and cricket-related articles. The editor of the publication was none other than John Wisden himself, who had an astute understanding of the game and its fervent followers.

The Little Wonder: The Remarkable History of Wisden

by Sarah Kuhn(Kindle Edition)

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	908 KB
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Print length	:	64 pages
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It didn't take long for Wisden to gain prominence within the cricketing community. The book quickly became a resourceful guide for players, professionals, and enthusiasts alike.

Wisden and Its Historic Moments

Over the years, Wisden has witnessed and documented countless historic moments in cricket. From the birth of Test cricket to the emergence of legendary players, every significant event has been chronicled within its pages.

One iconic moment memorized in the annals of Wisden history is the Bodyline series between England and Australia in 1932-33. This series saw fierce controversies, aggressive bowling tactics, and intense rivalries between the two cricketing nations. Wisden captured the spirit of this historic event, providing detailed commentary and analysis that is still referred to by cricket enthusiasts today.

Wisden also pays tribute to legends of the game. The Almanack's Cricketers of the Year feature honors five individuals who have excelled in the previous season. This prestigious accolade has been awarded to some of the greatest names in cricket, including Sir Donald Bradman, Sachin Tendulkar, and Sir Garfield Sobers.

Evolution and Adaptation

Throughout its history, Wisden has continuously evolved to maintain its relevance and appeal. From incorporating photographs to introducing colored pages, the publication has embraced change while staying true to its core purpose.

In recent years, Wisden has embraced digital channels, launching a website and digital version of the almanack. This move aimed to cater to a wider audience and adapt to the changing reading habits of cricket enthusiasts. Today, you can access cricket statistics, articles, and historical content online, making Wisden's rich information easily available.

Wisden Collectibles and Value

Due to its cultural significance and popularity, vintage editions of Wisden have become highly sought after collectibles. From the early editions in the 19th century to limited editions released in recent times, these books hold immense value for cricket memorabilia collectors.

The value of a Wisden edition depends on various factors, such as its condition, rarity, and historical significance. Rare editions, such as the 1864 first edition, can fetch substantial prices at auctions. In 2021, a Wisden Almanack from 1869 was sold for a record-breaking £19,120, highlighting the enduring allure of these cricketing treasures.

Wisden Today and Future Prospects

In the digital age, where information is just a click away, Wisden has managed to preserve its relevance and charm. The almanack continues to be published annually, captivating cricket lovers with its comprehensive coverage of the sport.

As the game evolves, Wisden is expected to adapt further and explore new avenues to engage its audience. Whether it's through interactive content or innovative features, Wisden will likely continue to be the trusted companion of cricket enthusiasts everywhere.

The little wonder, Wisden, has been an integral part of cricket's history and has played a crucial role in shaping the sport. Its remarkable journey from a humble almanack to a revered publication is a testament to its enduring legacy.

As cricket continues to captivate the hearts of millions, Wisden will remain a cherished artifact that immortalizes the game's iconic moments, celebrates its legends, and continues to inspire future generations of cricket lovers. Truly, Wisden is a little wonder that stands the test of time.

The Little Wonder: The Remarkable History of Wisden

by Sarah Kuhn(Kindle Edition)

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	908 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	64 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

John Wisden, at his peak known as 'The Little Wonder', was a key member of the England cricket team who in 1859 sailed across the Atlantic on the world's first overseas cricket tour. In 1864, after his retirement, Wisden published the first edition of the book that would make his name immortal. He printed 'full and accurate scores' along with indispensable facts about the Derby, the St Leger, the university rowing matches 'and other Interesting Information', including potted histories of the Wars of the Roses. The 1864 edition is now valued at anything up to £25,000, and Wisden Cricketers' Almanack has been published continuously ever since – not for nothing is it known as 'the cricketer's bible'.

The Almanack has, despite some close shaves, never missed a year. In 1937 it was just 48 hours from liquidation, and in the Second World War a German bomber set fire to the company's headquarters, destroying its records. And yet somehow, the yellow (since 1938) book has retained its antique, rugged character. It is a labour-of-love collection of records for cricket obsessives, but also a hearty eccentric. It loves to count the number of wides in a season, but also delights in relating tales from far-flung pavilions.

Through the telling of Wisden's story, we also glimpse the history of English, and world, cricket. The book is a window onto the game's most charismatic characters, its high points, lows and political storms. In The Little Wonder Robert Winder traces the central role the game has played in national life for so long. The book's 150th anniversary in 2013 is the ideal time to tell the extraordinary story of Wisden's – and cricket's – journey from Victorian times to the modern world. New every year, it feels as though it has been with us for ever.