WISDEN, John (1826-1884). Cricketers' Almanack for 1872. London: John Wisden, 1872.

Ninth edition, bound in original wrappers, spine partly preserved. Rare in this state. Even W.G. Grace could have his lapses. In a famously high-scoring match at the Oval, 29 June-1 July 1871, between Gentlemen of the South and Players of the South, he contributed only 4 and 11 to the record accumulation of 1139 runs by both sides (see p. 87). For 'Willsher's Match', The Married v The Single of England, played at Lord's July 10 and 12, true form was restored. His score of 189 not out for The Single is described as 'a truly great innings, the latter part of it being played in a bad light and on wickets beaten out of all form by rain'. Because of it the Single won 'in a canter'. In 'H.H. Stephenson's match,' North v South, at the Oval 31 July- 2 August, 'a loud hum of surprise and disappointment buzzed round the ground' as Grace fell lbw to the first ball. Yet his massive second innings score of 268 saw the South win comfortably (see p. 97).

Octavo (160 x 102mm). 172pp. (Light spot to G5-8 obscuring a couple of letters, corner chipped to K4, minor marginal spotting to fore-edge of quire F.) Original printed pale-pink wrappers (rebacked, preserving original spine, top left-hand corner of front cover repaired at head of spine with minor loss to printed border, top right-hand corner of front wrapper repaired, some light soiling).

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