Sport Book List (Talking Books)

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]

If you would like further information, or help in selecting titles to read, then please contact the Reader Services Team on 01733 37 53 33 or email [email protected]

You can write to us at RNIB NLS, PO Box 173, Peterborough PE2 6WS General

The sporting gazette: sport. Read by various narrators, 2 hours 11 minutes. TB 12059. From sword fights to boxing and from medieval jousts to modern motor racing, we join such diverse characters as A A Milne, Dick Francis, Queen Victoria, Kenneth Wolstenhome, Tony Jacklin and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle as they share their experiences of England winning the 1966 world cup; Roger Bannister breaking the four minute mile; the very first game of rugby football; a game of cricket on horseback and the death of England's finest cricketer, W G Grace. TB 12059.

The sporting gazette: sporting pastimes. Read by various narrators, 1 hour 58 minutes. TB 12067. We eavesdrop on some of the most fascinating events in the colourful history of the British at play; from Pitt the younger playing a game of marbles to Sir Donald Campbell's fatal attempt at the waterspeed record; Sir Francis Chichester's single handed voyage around the world and Lord Louis Mountbatten's experiences of a cock fight in India; from hunting with King James I to swimming the Channel with Captain Webb. TB 12067.

Dobbs, Brian Edwardians at play: sport, 1890-1914. 1973. Read by Eric Gillett, 8 hours 46 minutes. TB 2536. Sport in England between 1890 and 1914. TB 2536.

Green, Michael Book of coarse sport. 1965. Read by Garard Green, 3 hours. TB 44. The text takes a humorous look at sport and how it is played. TB 44.

Wilson, Bob Googlies, nutmegs and bogeys: the origins of peculiar sporting lingo. 2006. Read by Ben Pheazey, 3 hours 5 minutes. TB 15352. The world of sport has its own language, rich in strange words and phrases, whose origins often stretch back centuries. Veteran BBC presenter and football legend Bob Wilson has written this illustrated guide to the true meanings, heritage and evolution of the sporting terms we use today. TB 15352.

Athletics

2 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.

McIlvanney, Hugh McIlvanney on boxing: an anthology. 1982. Read by David Sinclair, 8 hours 39 minutes. TB 6514. "No previous holder of the title has been able to invade so many lives at so many levels. Compared with him, the most vivid of his predecessors are blurred figures dancing behind frosted glass. When he speaks he assumes no less than that he is addressing mankind." So wrote the author about Muhammed Ali in 1971 and it shows why this writer for the Observer has been names Sports Writer of the Year four times. Here he tells of boxing in the 1960s. TB 6514.

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

3 Wisden Cricketers' Almanack: 137 not out. Read by various narrators, 2 hours 18 minutes. TB 12171. Cricket's legends play again, as we join W G Grace, Jack Hobbs, Denis Compton, Geoffrey Boycott and other great cricketers in this fascinating selection from Wisden's match reports, editorials and obituaries. TB 12171.

Wisden Cricketers' Almanack: overseas tour. Read by various narrators, 2 hours 26 minutes. TB 12077. Travel around the world in the company of some of cricket's most notable personalities, witnessing both triumphs and disasters, as we recreate the game's unpredictable adventures on tour. TB 12077.

Arlott, John The essential John Arlott: forty years of classic cricket writing; edited by David Rayvern Allen. 1989. Read by Ronald Markham, 14 hours 5 minutes. TB 7988. In "The essential John Arlott" the extracts come from a wide range of periodicals and assorted publications, encompassing four decades of Arlott's work and a wide variety of subjects. From broad visions of international cricket to the intricate details of individual performances, from the pages of national newspapers such as "The Guardian" to the less widely distributed volumes of the "South Wales Cricketers' Magazine". TB 7988.

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.

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.

4 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.

Blofeld, Henry Caught short of the boundary. 1984. Read by Denys Hawthorne, 3 hours 10 minutes. TB 5627. Cricket commentator Henry Blofeld relates some of the adventures he has had on his travels. They include going up and down in a Nottinghamshire lift stark naked, being intimidated by Dennis Lillee, incarcerated in a New York jail and inebriated just about everywhere. TB 5627.

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 all rounder 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.

Boycott, Geoff Opening up. 1980. Read by Bruce Montague, 6 hours 47 minutes. TB 5407. An account of cricket today. TB 5407.

Boycott, Geoff Boycott on cricket. 1990. Read by Arthur Blake, 7 hours 38 minutes. TB 8537. "The best brain in cricket". That's how many people describe Geoffrey Boycott. England's dominant batsman over the last two decades, he writes about technique and character, provides a damning picture of the shambles that is Yorkshire cricket, and tells us what advice he gave to young England batsmen before they set off to the West Indies. TB 8537.

5 Cardus, Neville The Roses matches 1919-1939. 1982. Read by John Livesey, 17 hours 17 minutes. TB 5023. For twenty years Neville Cardus reported for the Manchester Guardian on the matches between Yorkshire and Lancashire. In eloquent prose he recorded the ancient northern rivalry, the vivid interplay of character and the subtle influence of the economic depression. This volume brings together his reports in their entirety, with full scoring details, presenting the colourful and shifting panorama of a battle that was waged with all the fervour of its mediaeval namesake. TB 5023.

Close, Brian Close to cricket. 1968. Read by Eric Gillett, 4 hours 51 minutes. TB 577. His views on Cricket, and the 1967 affair which brought him into public news headlines. TB 577.

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.

Cox, Peter Sixty summers. 2006. Read by Peter Cox, 19 hours 34 minutes. TB 14959. This book presents a history of English Cricket from 1946-2005. It explores England's progress from the day of Len Hutton, Denis Compton and Alec Debser, to those of Michael Vaughan, Andrew Flintoff and Steve Harmison. TB 14959.

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.

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.

6 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.

Hughes, Simon A lot of hard yakka: triumph and torment: a county cricketer's life. 1997. Read by David Thorpe, 9 hours 13 minutes. TB 11437. This book is a series of vignettes about the stars and characters of the cricket world. Beneath county cricket's routine is a soap opera of diverse characters, and this book takes you behind the scenes for an insight into how the household names of the last two decades survive their turbulent ride. The author portrays the hopes and fears, the dull and the ordinary, the outrageous and the bizarre. Contains strong language. TB 11437.

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 Forty-five summers: personal memories of 264 test matches seen from the commentary box. 1991. Read by Peter Wickham, 3 hours 41 minutes. TB 9232. In this unique memoir "Johnners" - as he is affectionately known to regular "Test Match Special" listeners - offers a summing up of the great cricketing moments he has seen in Test Matches, in a wonderful career as a radio and TV commentator,

7 during which he has covered first class cricket in England and overseas from 1946 to 1990. TB 9232.

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.

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,

8 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 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 Fred Trueman's cricket masterpieces: classic tales from the pavilion. 1990. Read by Arthur Blake, 9 hours 43 minutes. TB 8716. Our spoken views on the state of cricket today by the first bowler to take 300 test wickets. TB 8716.

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

9 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.

Moore, Richard Heroes, villains and velodromes: inside track cycling with Chris Hoy. 2008. Read by Crawford Logan, 10 hours 30 minutes. TB 16209. By shadowing Hoy through a season, author Richard Moore has gained an unembellished insight into the mind of a World and Olympic champion. He has also attained unprecedented levels of access to the key members of the all-conquering British team and support staff, including top coaches, world-renowned psychiatrists, doctors (where the subject of drug abuse is an ever-present shadow) and the pivotal characters behind the scenes. Combining his forensic knowledge of the cycling world with his acclaimed skills as a tenacious investigative journalist, Moore captures the mood of the British team and explores an area of professional sport that has rarely been seen before. Contains strong language. TB 16209.

Rendell, Matt Blazing saddles: the cruel and unusual history of the Tour de France. 2007. Read by Gordon Dulieu, 7 hours 49 minutes. TB 15949. The Tour de France has been running for 104 years and has completed 94 laps of France. The fine spectacle of life-threatening exertion, bare-faced cheating, road-side sabotage, ludicrous clothing, extreme intimate discomfort, and grown men at the absolute end of their tethers has gathered the race an audience of millions. This book looks at the history - the rivalries and controversies, the blind passions and filthy suspicions, the wheeling and the dealing and gives an insight into the race itself. TB 15949.

Fishing

10 Hills, John Waller A summer on the Test. 1924. Read by Derek Chandler, 8 hours 13 minutes. TB 2224. Tales of fishing on Britain's most famous trout river. TB 2224.

Russell, Michael Fly fishing: memories of angling days. 1991. Read by Norman Lumsden, 3 hours 50 minutes. TB 9096. J.R. Hartley's best known catch is the public imagination, but here his elusive fishing recollections are told. Ranging from Yorkshire schooldays in the 1930s, through memorable outings on chalk stream, spate river and loch, to a startling conclusion half a lifetime later on a Scottish summer night. Read by the actor who played J.R. Hartley in the "Yellow Pages" advert. TB 9096.

Sawyer, Frank Keeper of the stream: the life of a river and its trout fishery. 1985. Read by John Westbrook, 9 hours 29 minutes. TB 6161. Frank Sawyer was born in 1906 so close to the River Avon that he said the sound cascading through the hatches must have been the first thing he heard. He grew up there, living and working by it and for a good deal of the time was actually in it, cutting weeds and repairing the banks as under keeper for the Services Dry Fly Fishing Association. The experience he gained as keeper for most of his life is distilled into this book. TB 6161.

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

Champions: the 26 year quest for glory: the story of Manchester United's winning season. 1993. Read by John Cormack, 5 hours 13 minutes. TB 9768. Manchester United had failed to win the League Championship since 1967 despite spending upwards of 33 million pounds and sacking five managers. After they finished as runners up in 1992, Alex Ferguson knew it was now or never. This is the story of how they triumphed at long last. TB 9768.

11 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 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 own extraordinary story. TB 10898.

12 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- 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.

13 Green, Geoffrey The official history of the F A Cup. 1960. Read by Alan Lyne, 8 hours 45 minutes. TB 124. An authoritative account of the history of the F.A. Cup from its beginning till 1959. TB 124.

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.

Hoddle, Glenn Glenn Hoddle: My 1998 world cup story. 1998. Read by Alistair Maydon, 7 hours 7 minutes. TB 11716. A behind-the-scenes look at the full-action shots that captured the spirit and atmosphere of England's nerve-wracking World Cup battle, including insights into the exhilarating highs and earth-shattering lows of the 98 summer season. Under scrutiny is Glenn's approach to coping with the responsibility of the hopes and passions of a football-loving nation; the England squad's time out in France and the role of Eileen Drewery in his campaign. TB 11716.

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.

Irwin, Colin Sing when you're winning: football fans, terrace songs and a search for the soul of soccer. 2006. Read by John Cormack, 10 hours 43 minutes. TB 15340. Battered by escalating admission prices, executive boxes, corporate hospitality, swanky out of town stadiums and blanket television coverage, the fans still turn out in their masses to sing their hearts out for the lads. And the songs they sing are something else. Tribal anthems, full of passion, wit and cultural identity that can

14 instantly inform, delight and provoke in equal measures, as bizarre and apparently random as their chosen songs often are. Following his voyages of discovery around Ireland and England, Colin Irwin goes off on his travels again, this time donning bobble hat and scarf in pursuit of the ultimate football anthem. Contains strong language. TB 15340.

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.

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.

Lineker, Gary Gary's Lineker's golden boots: the World Cup's greatest strikers 1930-1998. 1998. Read by Chris French, 8 hours 12 minutes. TB 11778. In the 15 World Cup competitions that have taken place, an elite band of 21 highest- scoring strikers have done their brilliant best to make their country's dreams come true. Gary Lineker is the only Englishman to achieve such a distinction. Here he travels around the world to talk to his fellow recipients of the Golden Boot. Including

15 full statistics from each championship, this amounts to an exhilarating history of football seen through the eyes of some of the greatest goalscorers of all time. TB 11778.

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.

O'Leary, David Leeds United on trial: the inside story of an astonishing year. 2002. Read by John Cormack, 6 hours 10 minutes. TB 13281. This text is an account of the 2000 - 2001 season which transformed a youthful, inexperienced side into one of the most feared in Europe against the background of a high-profile court case that was never out of the headlines. O'Leary talks frankly about how he had to juggle the task of conquering Europe with handling the stress and subsequent collapse of a major court trial; the eighteen million pound signing of Rio Ferdinand that broke the British transfer record; and the incredible run of injuries that saw Leeds slump to fourteenth place in the table. TB 13281.

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.

Soar, Phil The Hamlyn world encyclopedia of football. 1980. Read by Crawford Logan, 21 hours 13 minutes. TB 7074. No one country invented the game but street football, little more than a disorganised brawl, was played in Britain before the Normans landed. By the 16th century it was banned by the Puritans (as it is now by the ayatollahs in Iran).The ban was ignored and by the 19th century a set of rules became very necessary as the death toll rose. The game was regularised and exported all over the world. An in depth look at all aspects of the "Simplest Game". TB 7074.

16 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.

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.

17 Hillenbrand, Laura Seabiscuit: the true story of three men and a racehorse. 2001. Read by Lori Dungey, 16 hours 42 minutes. TB 15225. The author retraces the journey of Seabiscuit, a horse with crooked legs and a pathetic tail that made racing history in 1938. Thanks to the efforts of a trainer, an owner, and a jockey this racehorse was transformed into a legend. TB 15225.

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

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

Andrews, Allen The mad motorists: the great Peking-Paris race of '07. 1964. Read by Peter Reynolds, 11 hours 43 minutes. TB 329. An exciting story of the motoring trial which ended as a race from Peking to Paris in 1907. TB 329.

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.

18 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 heros 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.

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.

19 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.

Macrory, Jennifer Running with the ball: the birth of rugby football. 1991. Read by Patricia Jones, 8 hours. TB 9646. The birth and development of the game that started as a sporting revolution are chronicled in this account, which starts at the beginning, when games were never stopped "short of manslaughter", describes the controversies that raged before the standardisation of the rules in the 1860s, and the introduction of the "true rugby ball". We learn why the smaller side so often won, as the tactics of the modern game evolved, and how its popularity spread. TB 9646.

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.

Team England Rugby World cup 2003: the official account of England's world cup triumph. 2003. Read by David Thorpe, 6 hours 15 minutes. TB 13567. The text picks up from England's 2003 Grand Slam triumph, covering the pre- tournament warm-up games against Wales and France and the announcement of Clive Woodward's squad for Australia. Thereon in follows a match-by-match account of the opening pool games, including the hard-fought victories over South Africa and Samoa; the quarter final against Wales and the semi-final against France, before the climax of extra-time in Sydney against the Wallabies. TB 13567.

Thomas, Clem Welsh rugby: the crowning years, 1968-80. 1980. Read by Andrew Timothy, 8 hours 45 minutes. TB 3809. The authors celebrate twelve years of triumph and scrutinise the achievement of the seasons leading up to the centenary of the Welsh Rugby Union. TB 3809.

20 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.

Woolgar, Jason England: the official R.F.U. history. 1999. Read by Peter Wickham, 7 hours 56 minutes. TB 12479. Since 1871, when an England rugby union team took to the field for the very first time, the national side has taken part in approaching 500 international matches. Many of these games have been memorable, and several have become part of English sporting folklore. TB 12479.

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 death) of the late Donald Campbell's attempts at breaking the water speed records. TB 55.

21 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

Davis, Steve Successful snooker. 1982. Read by David Rider, 2 hours 22 minutes. TB 13377. Letts guide. A collection of practice hints and match techniques from the 1981 Embassy World professional snooker champion. TB 13377.

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 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.

Trelford, Donald Snooker. 1986. Read by Jonathan Oliver, 8 hours 23 minutes. TB 6716. Snooker has boomed into one of Britain's most popular spectator sports, creating a new breed of green baize millionaires. The author, editor of the Observer, goes beyond the television screen to enter the closed world of the game and tells the full inside story of this sporting pot of gold, the money, the rows, the friendships, the back-stage dramas, the hopes and disappointments and, above all, the outsize personalities who provide a sporting national soap opera. TB 6716.

22 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 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

23 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.

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.

24 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.

Simpson, Joe Touching the void. 1997. Read by Alistair Petrie and Stuart Crossman, 7 hours 20 minutes. TB 14234. Joe Simpson and his partner, Simon Yates, had reached the summit of the previously unclimbed West Face of the remote Siula Grande in Peru, before disaster struck. What happened, and how they dealt with the psychological traumas that resulted when Simon was forced into the appalling decision to cut the rope, makes not only an epic of survival but a quite extraordinary and moving book. Contains strong language. TB 14234.

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.

Wainwright, A Wainwright on the Pennine Way. 1985. Read by Tom Crowe, 4 hours 15 minutes. TB 8186. Mermaid books. This book is a superb guide to the first long-distance footpath to be opened in Britain. Since the Pennine Way was declared open in 1965, thousands of walkers have enjoyed the arduous but rewarding 270 mile route. In the delightful way that has made him so popular, A. Wainright describes this journey along the backbone of England. TB 8186.

25 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".