Sport, Biographies And Autobiographies Book List (Talking Books)

Biographies and Autobiographies - Sport

Talking Books

The titles in this booklist are just a selection of the titles available for loan from the RNIB National Library Talking Book Service.

Don’t forget you are allowed to have up to 6 books on loan. When you return a title, you will then receive another one.

If you would like to read any of these titles then please contact the Customer Services Team on 0303 123 9999 or email [email protected]

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Runyan, Marla No finish line: my life as I see it. 2001. Read by Rosemary Ronald, 9 hours 10 minutes. TB 15280. The author was nine-years-old when she was diagnosed with a macular degenerative disease. This did not hold back her dreams of becoming a world class athlete, competing in the women's heptathlon and qualifying for the U.S. Olympic trials. She tells what it is like growing up disabled and what it means to compete at the world- class level where for her, there is no finish line. TB 15280.

Boxing

Cooper, Henry Henry Cooper - an autobiography. 1972. Read by Alvar Lidell, 7 hours 52 minutes. TB 2120. Britain's former heavyweight boxing champion tells his story with light-hearted candour. TB 2120.

Remnick, David King of the world: Muhammad Ali and the rise of an American hero. 1998. Read by Peter Marinker, 12 hours 10 minutes, TB 13146. On the night in 1964 that Muhammad Ali stepped into the ring with Sonny Liston, he was widely regarded as an irritating freak who danced and talked way too much. Six rounds later Ali was not only the new world heavyweight boxing champion: he was "a new kind of black man" who would shortly transform America's racial politics, its popular culture, and its notions of heroism. Contains strong language. TB 13146.

Cricket

Arlott, John Fred, portrait of a fast bowler. 1971. Read by Garard Green, 8 hours 27 minutes, TB 2042. The story of a man who played first-class cricket for twenty years by one who has observed him and talked with him from the beginning of his career. TB 2042.

Barker, Ralph. Ten great innings. 1964. Read by Alvar Lidell, 7 hours 23 minutes, TB 779. Recalls some fine cricket by Hobbs, Constantine, McCabe, Bradman, Gimblett, Hutton, Edrich, Compton, Endean and Washbrook during the period 1926 to 1956. TB 779.

2 Benaud, Richie Anything but: an autobiography. 1998. Read by Nigel Graham, 11 hours 37 minutes, TB 11924. The story of cricketer Richie Benaud, covering his days in depression-ridden Australia, his leadership of the Aussie team and his life as a commentator. It looks into sporting politics, how the administrators affect the game and players, and the media wheeling and dealing behind the scenes. TB 11924.

Bird, Dickie Dickie Bird: my autobiography. 1997. Read by Richard Derrington, 11 hours 23 minutes, TB 11283. Dickie Bird, a loved and respected umpire in world cricket, has endeared himself to millions with his idiosyncratic style and infectious humour. His story starts with his youth in Barnsley, his early days as a cricketer, and his experiences of the international scene. He also has serious and constructive points to make about the modern game. TB 11283.

Botham, Ian Botham: my autobiography: don't tell Kath. 1994. Read by Jonathan Oliver, 14 hours 30 minutes, TB 10720. Ian Botham charts his development from a promising youngster to a great allrounder in the world of cricket. But Botham, hero of the crowds, was also Botham the scourge of the establishment and the target of the tabloids. A heady brew of sex, drugs and rock'n'roll surrounded the man who, by his own admission, played hard both on and off the field. Through it all he has managed to make news, to entertain and to raise millions of pounds for charity. Here he sets the record straight. TB 10720.

Cowdrey, Colin The incomparable game. 1970. Read by Alvar Lidell, 3 hours 36 minutes, TB 1468. One of England's most experienced players looks back over 20 years of first-class cricket. TB 1468.

D'Oliveira, Basil Time to declare: an autobiography. 1980. Read by Christopher Slade, 6 hours 7 minutes, TB 3874. The autobiography of a famous cricketer, with an introduction by John Arlott. TB 3874.

3 Gooch, Graham Gooch: my autobiography. 1995. Read by Jon Cartwright, 11 hours 29 minutes, TB 10736. Gooch, together with cricket writer Frank Keating, charts his own progress to a world- class opening batsman and assertive leader. He puts right the misconceptions that have punctuated his long career – his stubborn stand over South Africa, his regimental leadership and dedication to the cause of English cricket, and family disagreements. Honest yet forthright, reflective but passionate, this is a tribute to an inspirational cricketer. TB 10736.

Gower, David Gower: the autobiography. 1992. Read by Michael Lumsden, 8 hours 23 minutes, TB 9959. One of the most brilliant and gifted Test batsmen of recent times, and the greatest left hander since Sobers and Pollock, Gower has often fallen foul of the critics, who question his "laid back" approach and lack of application, and accuse him of being a bad influence on younger players. Here he responds to these charges, and reveals himself as a witty, frank and independent observer of the international scene, and, despite what his critics say, totally committed to the game of cricket. TB 9959.

Howat, Gerald Malcolm David Learie Constantine. 1975. Read by Alvar Lidell, 9 hours 44 minutes, TB 2824. The life of the famous cricketer who became a life peer and governor of the BBC. TB 2824.

James, C L R Beyond a boundary. 1996. Read by Colin Salmon, 11 hours 5 minutes, TB 13617. Part memoir of a Caribbean childhood, part passionate celebration of cricket, this book was first published over thirty years ago. The author uses his love of cricket to explore the not always "sporting" relationship between Empire and the West Indies. The book brings the outsider an insight into pre-Independence West Indian culture, as well as examining the colonial condition. TB 13617.

Johnston, Brian It's been a piece of cake: a tribute to my favourite Test cricketers. 1989. Read by Alexander John, 10 hours 22 minutes, TB 8710. "It's been a piece of cake" is a delightful and witty collection of pieces about cricketers the author has known and loved, from one of the best-known commentators in the game. TB 8710.

4 Johnston, Brian It's been a lot of fun. 1974. Read by Tony Chambers, 9 hours 45 minutes, TB 6352. For the average cricket lover, the gentle tones of veteran cricket commentator Brian Johnston typify all that is best in an English cricketing summer. His life-story is coloured by a vast store of cricketing knowledge and a repertoire of amusing anecdotes. TB 6352.

Johnston, Brian Someone who was; reflections on a life of happiness and fun. 1992. Read by Garard Green, 9 hours 50 minutes, TB 9860. When Brian Johnston was recognised by a member of the public as "someone who was", it nearly ruined his day, but on reflection he realised that though he was then very active, in two or three years she would almost certainly be right, and that it would be a splendid title for a book looking back on his life. Published to celebrate his eightieth birthday, this book of reminiscences - an A-Z format inspired by Flanagan and Allen's famous "A for horses" - ranges from prep school, the author's early working life in the family coffee business in Brazil, his war experiences in the Grenadier Guards, being hypnotised and singing with Bud Flanagan for "In town tonight", to his long love affair with cricket, including his many years with "Test Match Special". TB 9860.

McDonald, Trevor Clive Lloyd. 1986. Read by Trevor McDonald, 6 hours 55 minutes, TB 6456. This meticulously researched, authorised biography of the legendary batsman and most successful long-serving captain in Test history abounds with insights into cricket and its political significance in the West Indies. TB 6456.

Mosey, Don Fred: then and now. 1992. Read by Peter Wickham, 7 hours 47 minutes, TB 10053. "Fiery Fred" Trueman was the greatest fast bowler in the world, and the first in the history of cricket to take 300 Test wickets. Today he is as well known as critic, broadcaster, entertainer and TV Personality, as he was when he was the scourge of Test and county batsmen everywhere. Fiery and controversial, a man of strong opinions and strong words, his bowling was hallmarked by its sheer naked hostility and fine technique. TB 10053.

Rae, Simon W G Grace: a life. 1998. Read by Crawford Logan, 23 hours 41 minutes, TB 11616. Grace burst onto the cricket scene in the 1860s with spectacular force, dominating the game until the end of the century. Exploiting the power his popularity gave him, he

5 amassed great wealth. This biography draws on diaries, letters and Grace's own library. It offers a radical analysis of his career, and reviews the more controversial aspects of his conduct. It also focuses on his family background, his career as a doctor, and his ambitions and bereavements as a father. TB 11616.

Richards, Viv Sir Vivian: the definitive autobiography. 2000. Read by Nigel Graham, 12 hours 37 minutes, TB 13620. Vivian Richards, West Indies Captain between 1985 and 1991, had been voted the best international cricketer of the last twenty-five years by his peers. Seven years after his retirement from the game Richards tells the story. Playing days in England for Somerset and Glamorgan are recalled, alongside many memorable matches for the West Indies, and opinions on opponents and team-mates from around the world. Contains strong language. TB 13620.

Trueman, Fred Ball of fire: an autobiography. 1976. Read by Peter Gray, 7 hours 16 minutes, TB 2983. The author, known as one of the great fast bowlers of his day, has set down his turbulent story from birth to the present day. TB 2983.

Trueman, Fred My most memorable matches. 1982. Read by Stanley McGeagh, 4 hours 30 minutes, TB 6537. "I have always likened cricket in Yorkshire to rugby in Wales. It's as near to a religion as you can get. So to play for Yorkshire is the highest attainment of anyone born in its broad acres." Thus said Fred Trueman, one of the greatest fast bowlers, in 1982. He was absorbed in cricket from childhood and has bowled at the top for longer than anyone else in the country. Here he relives his favourite matches. A book about the "fun and joy" of cricket. TB 6537.

Cycling

Armstrong, Lance It's not about the bike: my journey back to life. 2001. Read by Jeff Harding, 10 hours 40 minutes, TB 13276. This is the autobiography of Lance Armstrong who won the 1999 Tour de France in spectacular style, taking four stages and both a mountain and a time trial. His story is even more remarkable because he was diagnosed with stage four testicular cancer in October 1996. Contains strong language. TB 13276.

6 Fishing

Watson, David Of fish and men: tales of a Scottish fisher. 2000. Read by David C Watson, 3 hours 4 minutes, TB 13415. This work is a collection of perceptive and humorous anecdotes from nearly forty years of fishing, linked by a commentary on the author's life and times. The book is about much more than fishing; it is about characters and countryside, and about the struggle to forge a life and career in Scotland during the depression of the 1970s and 1980s. TB 13415.

Football

Best, George Blessed: the autobiography. 2001. Read by John Cormack, 10 hours 15 minutes, TB 13280. Christened the fifth Beatle at his peak, George Best was the first pop star footballer. He remains one of the greatest footballing figures of the 20th century. At last Best is ready to open his heart and engage us in his life story, from the halcyon days at Manchester United and the European Cup win of '68, to the string of affairs and scandal that followed him from the bars to the bankruptcy courts and even to prison. Contains strong language. TB 13280.

Best, George The good, the bad and the bubbly. 1990. Read by John Cormack, 5 hours 25 minutes, TB 9559. This is the autobiography of the legendary football genius. George Best gives an honest account of his meteoric rise to stardom and dramatic fall into alcoholism. TB 9559.

Charlton, Bobby Forward for England. 1967. Read by Michael de Morgan, 7 hours 30 minutes, TB 466. The autobiography of one of the greatest personalities in the game of football today. TB 466.

Charlton, Jack Jack Charlton: the autobiography. 1996. Read by Mark Elstob, 9 hours 57 minutes, TB 11320. This is Jack Charlton's full story. It tells of his childhood in the Northumberland mining village of Ashington. He was the eldest of four brothers, one of whom was the phenomenally gifted Bobby, now Sir Bobby Charlton. His mother was from the

7 famous Milburn footballing family, therefore, it was in Jack's blood to escape a life down the mine by joining Leeds United in 1952. By the time he hung up his boots more than twenty years later, he had made 629 League appearances for Leeds, still a club record. Truly, Jack Charlton was one of the last of the great one-club players. TB 11320.

Clough, Brian Clough: the autobiography. 1995. Read by Alan Gilchrist, 9 hours 13 minutes, TB 10898. A footballing legend tells his extraordinary story. TB 10898.

Dalglish, Kenny Dalglish: my autobiography. 1996. Read by Jonathan Hackett, 11 hours 53 minutes, TB 11172. In this remarkable and often forthright autobiography, Dalglish reveals some of the professional and personal reasons behind various decisions he has taken that at the time seemed puzzling to his numerous fans. His track record proves that he did indeed make the right ones. TB 11172.

Ferguson, Alex Alex Ferguson: managing my life - my autobiography. 1999. Read by Crawford Logan, 17 hours 14 minutes, TB 12072. This is the autobiography of Alex Ferguson - he runs the Manchester United Football players with a rod of iron, but is respected for his managerial style and for the way he cares for the welfare of his players. TB 12072.

Ferguson, Alex A year in the life: the manager's diary. 1995. Read by Jonathan Hackett, 13 hours 14 minutes, TB 10545. A personal and revealing football diary by the most successful manager working in British football: Alex Ferguson. Here the Manchester United manager talks about his signing of Andy Cole and reveals the real story behind the Cantona affair. He also reflects on the wider problems which beset the national game over the 1994-95 season. TB 10545.

Gerrard, Steven Gerrard: my autobiography. 2007. Read by John McGrellis, 15 hours 8 minutes. TB 15704. Steven Gerrard is a hero to millions, not only as the inspirational captain of Liverpool FC, but as a key member of the England team. Here, for the first time, he tells the story of his lifelong obsession with football, in an honest and revealing book which captures the extraordinary camaraderie, the soul-destroying tensions and the high-

8 octane thrills of the modern game as never before. Contains strong language. TB 15704.

Gibson, John Wor Jackie: the Jackie Milburn story. 1990. Read by Alan Gilchrist, 4 hours, TB 8359. After the Second World War, when soccer grounds were packed, Wor Jackie was a goal-scoring legend, playing for Newcastle and England. A pit lad from Ashington, he wrote to Newcastle for a trial and began his glittering career, achieving great things for himself and his club. John Gibson reveals previously untold stories of Jackie Milburn's career from the back streets to Wembley and the World Cup. TB 8359.

Harding, John Alex James. 1988. Read by Crawford Logan, 6 hours 57 minutes. TB 7974. Arguably the finest inside forward of all time, Alex James is remembered not only for his playing skills, but also for his knack of making his name known outside footballing circles. In this lively biography, John Harding has drawn on the recollections of men and women who knew James well, to recreate the life and times of a remarkable man. TB 7974.

Hurst, Geoff 1966 and all that: my autobiography. 2001. Read by Steve Hodson, 12 hours 45 minutes, TB 13539. Catapulted to fame in only his eighth international, Geoff Hurst scored a hat trick against West Germany in the 1966 World Cup final. His final goal has been played so many times that it has dominated his life ever since. This autobiography shows that there is more to the man than that one day. He relives the golden era in which he played, reveals some behind-the-scenes stories of events with England and his club sides that have never previously emerged, and he offers his views on the modern game. TB 13539.

Keane, Roy Keane: the autobiography. 2002. Read by John Cormack and Steve Hodson, 9 hours 27 minutes, TB 13323. In 1994, Keane travelled to the World Cup in America, where as a young player in an experienced team his domination of the midfield helped Jack Charlton's Ireland beat finalists Italy. Years later, as captain of the national side, Keane was crucial to his team's qualification for the 2002 finals from a group few predicted they could survive. And then it all went catastrophically wrong when, days before the tournament began, he was sensationally sent home - his unflagging, uncompromising will to win had led to his undoing. Roy Keane tells his story. Contains strong language. TB 13323.

9 Keegan, Kevin My autobiography. 1997. Read by John Cormack, 13 hours 49 minutes, TB 11565. In his candid autobiography, Kevin Keegan answers the question of why he left Newcastle United, having built it into the most exciting force in English football. He reveals the secrets behind the myth of a man who has been a pivotal influence on the way football is played, managed and perceived in England. He talks about the many courageous decisions he has taken throughout his career, and provides an insight into the high-profile, high-pressure world of modern football management. TB 11565.

Lampard, Frank Totally Frank: my autobiography. 2006. Read by Stuart Crossman, 14 hours, TB 16128. Chelsea and England footballer and Footballer of the Year, Frank Lampard charts his life story from childhood to young West Ham apprentice to multi-millionaire world footballing celebrity and lynchpin of the national team. This work includes a full account of the 2005/06 season and the 2006 World Cup Finals in Germany. Contains strong language. TB 16128.

Matthews, Stanley The way it was: my autobiography. 2000. Read by David Thorpe, 19 hours 30 minutes, TB 13710. An autobiography of Stanley Matthews, the most popular footballer of his era. The book tells the story of Matthews' life, including how he was the first footballer ever to be knighted and how he played in the top division until he was fifty years old. TB 13710.

Perryman, Steve A man for all seasons. 1985. Read by David Rider, 9 hours 22 minutes, TB 6384. No present-day footballer has had as long at the top as Steve Perryman and very few are held in such high regard by their peers and by the public as the captain of Tottenham. His career with the club spans three decades - from the days of Jimmy Greaves and Martin Chivers to Glen Hoddle and Ossie Ardiles. TB 6384.

Jacklin, Tony Jacklin: my autobiography. 2007. Read by Stephen Thorne, 11 hours 17 minutes, TB 15385. Tony Jacklin looks back on his remarkable life and career and charts his progress from former steelworker to golf legend. It's a story of success against the odds and of talent allied with determination. TB 15385.

10 Horseracing

Burridge, Richard The grey horse: the true story of Desert Orchid. 1992. Read by Tom Crowe, 9 hours 58 minutes, TB 9613. The story of Desert Orchid is a modern fairy tale, from his lowly origins, through a brilliant hurdling career, to winning four consecutive awards as National Hunt Horse of the Year. This is his dramatic inside story, compellingly told by his principal owner, a professional scriptwriter, and charts the highs and occasional lows of this wonderful horse. It also tells of the extraordinary impact he has had on the Burridge family, and on the lives of all who have come into contact with him. There are many surprises. TB 9613.

Francis, Dick Lester: the official biography.1986. Read by David Sinclair, 9 hours 25 minutes, TB 6181. In 1973 Lester Piggot asked Francis to write his story for "When I Retire". The book is the result of conversations between the two, taped at intervals over the years, during which Lester revealed the private man behind the public image. TB 6181.

Francis, Dick The sport of Queens: the autobiography of Dick Francis. 1957. Read by Robert Gladwell, 8 hours 30 minutes, TB 3457.

Francome, John Born lucky: an autobiography. 1985. Read by Simon Coady, 4 hours 25 minutes, TB 6317. Champion jockey seven times, John Francome entered the record books in 1984 riding under National Hunt Rules. John tells of his rise from stable lad to international sports celebrity. TB 6317.

O'Sullevan, Peter Calling the horses: a racing autobiography. 1989. Read by Peter O'Sullevan, 16 hours 4 minutes, TB 8474. Racing journalist, owner and doyen of TV racing commentators Peter O'Sullevan has written a delightful book of reminiscences recalling more than fifty years' involvement with the sport. A marvellous raconteur, he includes a wealth of colourful anecdotes from track and turf. TB 8474.

Motorcycling

11 Hanna, Tim One good run: the legend of Burt Munro. 2005. Read by Roy Ward, 9 hours 34 minutes, TB 15310. This is the story of a Kiwi motorcycling legend, backyard engineering genius, and land speed record holder. He was the archetypal eccentric inventor who modified an original Indian motorbike in his shed, making it capable of extreme speeds. From small town New Zealand in the 1920s to heroic accomplishments in the USA, Munro was still inventing up until his death in 1978. TB 15310.

Motor Racing

Hill, Damon Grand prix year: the inside story of a Formula One season. 1994. Read by Nigel Carrington, 6 hours 30 minutes, TB 10523. A first hand insight into the life of a Grand Prix driver, both on the track and off, this is more than an account of Damon Hill's extraordinary 1994 season. He recalls the days when his father Graham made motor racing an integral part of the family life. Now that he is Britain's top driver, he has faced the pressure and the pleasure and has also had to face tragedy with the deaths of two other drivers. TB 10523.

Hill, Graham Life at the limit. 1969. Read by John Graham, 9 hours 15 minutes, TB 1095. The autobiography of a champion racing driver. TB 1095.

Mansell, Nigel Nigel Mansell: my autobiography. 1995. Read by Nigel Carrington, 12 hours 50 minutes, TB 10877. In his keenly awaited autobiography, Nigel Mansell tells the extraordinary story of his breakthrough and rise to the summit of Formula One, a pressure cooker sport ruled by money, power and political intrigue. This is a frank and exhilarating account of the life of one of the great sporting heroes of our time. TB 10877.

Williams, Richard Enzo Ferrari: a life. 2002. Read by John Callen, 13 hours 43 minutes, TB 15223. Ferrari, the name itself evokes the world of speed, of fast cars, heroic deeds and glamour. This is the story of the man behind the name. This book goes back to Enzo Ferrari's origins and traces his remarkable rise to prominence. TB 15223.

12 Howitt, Bob Paddy O'Brien: whistle while you work. 2004. Read by Andrew Laing, 8 hours 10 minutes. TB 15305. This policeman turned rugby referee creates a biography full of events, conversations and insightful anecdotes. After a disastrous refereeing performance at the 1999 Rugby World Cup he turns his career around and rebounds in 2003. TB 15305.

Johnson, Martin Martin Johnson: the autobiography. 2003. Read by Mark Straker, 13 hours, TB 13648. This autobiography examines the career of former England rugby captain Martin Johnson. Johnson joined Leicester Tiger's senior squad in 1989 and has since gone on to lead the side to four successive Premiership titles (1999-2002) and two European Cups (2001-2002). His international career saw him debut for England in 1993 and first captained the team in 1998. He has also, uniquely, captained the British Lions on two separate tours, to South Africa in 1997 and Australia in 2001. His third successive World Cup and second as captain, in Australia in autumn 2003, took him to a total of more than 80 caps for England. Contains strong language. TB 13648.

Lomu, Jonah Jonah: my story. 2004. Read by Michael Keir-Morrissey, 10 hours 58 minutes, TB 15227. This is the story of an extraordinary rugby player. It follows him from his early days on the mean streets of South Auckland through his rugby career including the genteelness of taking tea with the Queen. This book also covers how his illness forced him to completely change his lifestyle, and how his religious beliefs kept him strong during trying times. TB 15227.

Matheson, John Christian Cullen: life on the run. 2003. Read by Michael Keir-Morrissey, 7 hours 29 minutes, TB 15296. This is a look at one of our greatest rugby players. It follows him from 1996 until his controversial axing as an All Black in 2003 and discusses his uneasy relationship with All Black' coach John Mitchell and assistant coach, Robbie Deans. TB 15296.

Turner, Brian Meads. 2002. Read by Paul Barrett, 7 hours 50 minutes, TB 15256. Colin Meads is one of the greatest rugby players in New Zealand. Here, he dips back into his playing career and offers comparisons with the modern game. It becomes a social commentary, how professionalism has changed the face of rugby forever and how the modern player has taken up the challenge. TB 15256.

13 Sailing and Water Sports

Edwards, Tracy Maiden. 1990. Read by Erica Grant, 8 hours 31 minutes, TB 9075. "Maiden" is the inspiring story of how Tracy Edwards, a modest 27-year-old, took a yacht and the first all-female crew ever to race round the globe through storms and savage seas. This is a book about great courage, great endeavour, and extraordinary determination. It is also a story of how anyone can have a dream and, against all odds, come through triumphant. TB 9075.

Heath, Edward Sailing: a course of my life. 1975. Read by Peter Gray, 4 hours 37 minutes, TB 2931. A sailing autobiography, with an account of the challenges and joys experienced in a demanding sport. TB 2931.

Pearson, John 'Bluebird' and the Dead Lake: the story of Donald Campbell's land speed record on Lake Eyre in 1964. 1965. Read by Michael de Morgan, 7 hours 30 minutes, TB 55 An account (published before the death) of the late Donald Campbell's attempts at breaking the water speed records. TB 55.

Sefton, Alan Sir Peter Blake: an amazing life. 2004. Read by Kyle Bendall, 14 hours 50 minutes, TB 15295. This is the biography of one of the world's most celebrated and honoured yachtsmen and adventurers. It follows Blake's extraordinary life, from the small boy crazy about the sea, to the rigours of ocean racing and the America's Cup triumphs, to the decision to devote his life to saving the world's oceans, and to Blake's sad end on the Amazon. Lady Blake gave her full backing to this biography and provided Sir Peter's files and papers to the author. TB 15295.

Snooker

O'Sullivan, Ronnie Ronnie: the autobiography of Ronnie O'Sullivan. 2003. Read by Phil Barley, 6 hours 28 minutes, TB 13660. Ronnie O'Sullivan is snooker's most written and talked about player, and its greatest showman. His supreme talent, breathtaking flair and style have made him the people's champion and left commentators struggling for superlatives to describe his

14 genius. In this book he tells for the first time the candid story of his extraordinary life. Contains strong language. TB 13660.

Taylor, Dennis Frame by frame: my own story. 1985. Read by Arthur Blake, 5 hours 11 minutes, TB 13383. "At 22 minutes past midnight on 29 April 1985 I potted the black to win a game of snooker. I'd done it a thousand times before. But never like this". So begins Dennis Taylor's own description of his dramatic last ball victory over Steve Davis in the Embassy World professional snooker Championship. TB 13383.

Tennis

Austin, Henry Wilfred A mixed double. 1969. Read by David Broomfield & Phyllis Boothroyd, 9 hours 35 minutes, TB 1117. A combined biography by a pre-war tennis star and his actress wife. TB 1117.

McEnroe, John Serious: the autobiography. 2002. Read by Jim McLarty, 11 hours 4 minutes, TB 15198. This autobiography chronicles the tennis career of John McEnroe. From his first Wimbledon in 1977, when he stunned the tennis world by reaching the semi-finals, and shocked it with his on-court behaviour. What followed was a double act of technique and temperament that set the sport alight. The book also covers his life outside tennis from his friendship with Keith Richards and Jack Nicholson, his stormy marriage to Tatum O'Neal, his forays into the worlds of art and rock music, and his arrival as one of the most astute sports commentators around. TB 15198.

Maskell, Dan Oh, I say! 1989. Read by Noel Johnson, 14 hours 18 minutes, TB 7483. In April 1923 at the age of 15, Dan Maskell was accepted as a full-time ballboy by Queen's Club in London and - "Thus began a love affair with lawn tennis that has never faded". His career progressed: by the following year he was junior professional and by the end of the 1920s he had become the All England Club's first ever teaching professional. This book tells of his travels in the game and, above all, the people he met in the course of a richly varied life. TB 7483.

Navratilova, Martina Being myself. 1985. Read by Judy Franklin, 9 hours 51 minutes, TB 6289. The story of Martina Navratilova's battle to become the most consistent tennis champion of the 1980s. The price of success has been home in America, and

15 adverse publicity has forced her to defend her relationships with other women. TB 7483.

Walking & Climbing

Bonington, Chris I chose to climb. 1985. Read by Christopher Scott, 8 hours 34 minutes, TB 5877. Chris Bonington is one of Britain's pioneering climbers who is always pushing his skills, techniques and equipment to the limit. From alarmingly haphazard beginnings in Snowdonia as a teenager he went on to conquer Annapurna II, Nupste and the first British ascent of the Eiger North Wall. This is the story of his early years in climbing. TB 5877.

Bonington, Chris The next horizon. 1973. Read by Alvar Lidell, 14 hours 8 minutes, TB 2264. Chris Bonington recounts his adventures, capturing the danger and courage, grittiness and humour of the mountaineering world. This includes many of his most thrilling exploits, undertaken with such personalities as Tom Patey, Hamish MacInnes, Dougal Haston and Don Whillans. It also covers a period when Bonington faced some of the toughest emotional and physical demands of his career. TB 2264.

Brown, Hamish Hamish's Groats End walk: one man and his dog on a hill route through Britain & Ireland. 1981. Read by Peter Barker, 16 hours 25 minutes, TB 4169. Hamish Brown, a professional mountaineer and lecturer, and Storm, his Shetland Collie, journeyed on foot from the northernmost mountains in the Highlands through the Lake District, Wales and the southern ranges to Land's End. This book is more than a vade-mecum for long distance walkers - it reveals the deep philosophy of the man himself. TB 4169.

Croucher, Norman Legless but smiling: an autobiography. 2001. Read by Jonathan Oliver, 19 hours 27 minutes, TB 14067. Despite walking on two below-knee artificial legs, it became Norman Croucher's ambition to climb any one of the world's fourteen mountains which exceed 8,000 metres. No one with a considerable disability had climbed anywhere near this high, and his goal was an almost impossible dream ... to join, as he put it, 'The five mile high club'. Contains strong language. TB 14067.

16 Haston, Dougal In high places. 1972. Read by Arthur Bush, 8 hours, TB 2170. The author, whose climbing experiences vary from a railway bridge in Scotland to the south face of Everest, describes the techniques, achievements and philosophy of modern climbing. TB 2170.

Hillary, Edmund Nothing venture, nothing win. 1975. Read by Alvar Lidell, 15 hours 49 minutes, TB 2684. The autobiography of one of the century's great adventurers, conqueror of Everest, Antarctic explorer and friend of the Sherpas. TB 2684.

Hillary, Edmund View from the summit. 1999. Read by Bill Leathwick, 11 hours 30 minutes, TB 15232. A New Zealand hero writes about his adventures in the Himalayas, jet boating up the Ganges and travelling to the South Pole. Hillary has also been heavily involved with building medical centres and schools and improving the lives of the Sherpa people in Nepal. TB 15232.

Shipton, Eric That untravelled world: an autobiography. 1969. Read by Peter Reynolds, 12 hours 27 minutes, TB 1370. The autobiography of a great explorer and mountaineer. TB 1370.

Wainwright, A Memoirs of a fellwanderer. 1993. Read by Ronald Markham, 3 hours 43 minutes, TB 9877. A delightful and revealing memoir of the man who uniquely mapped the Lake District. It was his love for the fells, his desire to escape from the office and his fascination with maps which led him, in 1952, to start on the first of his seven guides, an act which led to his becoming a household name, the Lake District becoming a Mecca for thousands of walkers every year, and a happy home being found for countless stray cats and dogs. TB 9877.

If you have read a book you particularly enjoyed (or didn't enjoy) and want to share your thoughts with other readers, visit the new RNIB Readers Forum at www.rnib.org.uk/readersforum and post your review on the Forum".

April 2009