First-Ever Wisden offered for sale

The Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack has been the companion of cricket fans since 1864. Often referred to as the bible of cricket, it remains the oldest annual of any sport and is still published to the present day.

In an age of change few things remain constant; The Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack is one of them.

A remarkable collection of Wisdens is being offered for sale including the very rare and sought after inaugural edition. Dating back to 1864, only three copies of this edition have been sold in the last decade but all had been rebound, reflecting their age and the delicate paper stock that was used at the time.

However one example has surfaced still in its original condition. That copy, together with 75 editions from 1865 onwards (with some omissions), will be auctioned early next month by Leski Auctions in Melbourne.

“This is a remarkable collection that also includes some very rare war editions,” says Charles Leski.

“Collectors of cricket memorabilia consider the Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack to be the holy grail because it is the only history of the sport that is reliable.

“The collection on offer was assembled by a self-styled cricket ‘tragic’ who fancied himself as a representative player but never quite made the grade. The Wisdens were his enduring connection to a sport he lived and breathed.”



Article by Michael Krape



Cricket Memorabilia

Thursday 2nd February 2012


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