by Mayukh Ghosh
"To those who take the game as a sport as well as those who regard it as a religion, this volume will come as a real delight" - Daily Chronicle, May 1926.
According to the author of this volume, it was "one vast plagiarism".
A critic described this history of cricket as nothing but 'a potted Wisden'. The author made no attempt to disprove the claim. He was satisfied with the outcome and happily acknowledged as many as 150 books in the 'bibliography' section.
The Cricketer magazine is on its way to celebrate a glorious century in 2021.
But it could have ended in its second year. Despite dishing out rich content, there were not many who subscribed to the magazine.
The readers were asked to buy shares and the office was moved into the offices of the Morning Post.
The other masterstroke was to ask a 33-year old teacher for contributions.
He had already played cricket at the top level and was well known for leading the strongest school team ever assembled.
Moreover, he was a good coach who, by then, had an impact on a young first-class cricketer named Douglas Jardine.
In April 1922, Harry Altham began writing the history of cricket. The series ran for three and half years. It, along with a few other series, helped The Cricketer break even.
Then, in 1926, all that was put in one place and published as 'A History of Cricket'.
The previous history of the game was published in 1877. Altham's work was soon accepted as the standard text book on the subject.
It was revised and republished many times till 1962.
Eight years later, Rowalnd Bowen published his own version.
Altham was hugely respected and served Hampshire and England cricket in different capacities.
None more important than emphasising the importance of grass root level cricket in the country.
None more embarrassing than being the chief selector in 1954 when they lost against Pakistan.
But he always chuckled and added that the same man was there when they beat Australia in the 1954-55 Ashes.
John Arlott had a wonderful story about him:
One morning they were strolling across Broadhalfpenny Down, and just as Altham took a deep breath and said "You can almost smell the history here, John", Arlott- who had a big night on the wine and much food - broke wind quite heavily as Harry spoke. He could see Harry Altham's nostrils twitching!
Among the many stories Altham narrated in all those after-dinner gatherings.
There was no exception on March 10th, 1965.
The very next morning he died of a heart-attack.
Obviously a forgotten man. Even in England.
Harry Altham was born on Nov 30, 1888.