The Little Wonder: The Remarkable History Of Wisden - Discover the Intriguing Journey Behind the World's Most Famous Cricket Almanac!

Wisden, also known as "The Cricketers' Bible," is a prestigious cricket almanac that holds a remarkable place in the sporting world. With over 150 years of history, it has become an iconic publication that keeps cricket enthusiasts informed about the sport's rich heritage, statistical records, and memorable moments. In this article, we delve into the intriguing journey of Wisden, its significant contributions, and how it has evolved over time.

Wisden's Origins

Wisden was first published in 1864 by John Wisden, a professional English cricketer. What started as a modest yellow book with 112 pages has now transformed into a comprehensive reference guide. Its initial purpose was to provide cricketers with necessary information, such as the laws of the game, scores from the past season, and other relevant details.

Interestingly, the first edition of Wisden was priced at just one shilling and contained insightful articles written by players themselves. The almanac quickly gained popularity due to its accurate reporting and commitment to the game's integrity.

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

Evolution and Significance

Over the years, Wisden flourished and became iconic. The almanac's prominence expanded with the inclusion of additional content, including records, player profiles, international tour reports, and seasonal summaries. It became a valuable resource for cricket lovers worldwide, offering extensive coverage of both domestic and international cricket.

One of the most notable sections in Wisden is the "Cricketers of the Year," introduced in 1889. This annual tradition recognizes exceptional performances by five cricketers, based on their achievements in the previous English cricket season. Being named as a Cricketer of the Year is a highly esteemed accolade in the cricketing community.

Another significant section is the "Wisden Almanack Notes," which includes thought-provoking articles, expert analysis, and opinions on various aspects of the game. These notes have played a crucial role in shaping cricketing discussions and providing a platform for intellectuals to express their views.

Impact and Influence

Wisden holds tremendous influence in the cricketing world. It has played a vital role in preserving the history of the sport by meticulously documenting each cricket season. Its inclusive coverage ensures that players and events, both well-known and obscure, are recognized and remembered.

Furthermore, Wisden's statistical records have become a benchmark for cricket enthusiasts and scholars, helping them analyze and compare players and teams across different eras. Its detailed information on matches, scores, and performances allows for accurate statistical analysis and provides a fascinating glimpse into cricket's evolution.

The Modern Era

In today's digital age, Wisden continues to thrive, adapting to the technological advancements while maintaining its traditional essence. The almanac is available both in print and online, catering to a wide range of cricket fans.

Wisden.com, the online platform, offers an array of articles, interviews, videos, and statistics to keep fans engaged and informed. It also serves as a platform for contemporary cricketers and experts to share their insights, further enriching the overall cricketing experience.

The little yellow book known as Wisden has truly cemented its position as the ultimate cricketing companion. Its journey from a simple almanac to a comprehensive guide and historical treasure is a testament to its significance in the cricketing world. With each passing year, Wisden continues to captivate and inspire cricket lovers, ensuring that the sport's rich heritage is celebrated and upheld.

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.