Don Bradman was Australia’s sporting colossus throughout the 1930s, an idol for a nation ravaged by The Great Depression and unemployment, and with lingering memories of the horrors of The Great War.

The greatest batsman of his or any other era, the Don’s never-before-witnessed run-scoring feats attracted phenomenal interest, and raised spirits.

‘I’ll be Bradman and you can be the rest’ was a common catch-cry in backstreet and playground matches in the city and the bush.

To this day the majority of the Don’s numerous records remain unchallenged, and the phrase ‘could be the next Don Bradman’ is often longingly used whenever an outstanding young player emerges. But there will never be another Don: his feats will never be surpassed; his Test batting average of 99.94 will remain forever unmatched.

This centenary tribute to the Don in words, as well as over 200 cartoons, photographs, cigarette cards, posters, paintings, quotations and statistics, not only reveals the Don as the consummate batsman and captain but also as a husband and family man.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ken Piesse’s first bat was a much-used, hand-me-down, Bradman-autographed Sykes. His father, also Ken, was one of the few Melburnians not crammed into the MCG on the day the Don posted his 117th and final first-class century. However, when allowed, his uncle still waxes lyrical about it.

Ken has had a distinguished career as a cricket writer and commentator, and is the author of 31 books. The President of the Australian Cricket Society, Ken and his wife Susan live in Melbourne with their two youngest children, two pups, two cats and seven goldfish – at last count.

QUERIES: kenpiesse@ozemail.com.au

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OUR DON BRADMAN THE GREATEST CRICKET STORY EVER TOLD, by Ken Piesse (ABC Books) Cost $35 post free.

Publishing date: August 1, 2008