Latest book news/reviews

Here are some new reviews and updates for a couple of my books – out now.

Praise for When Boxing Was Boxing.

Steve Bunce, BBC Radio London: “Every now and again a boxing book comes along that I like. When Boxing Was Boxing is one.  It has some stunning pics, sensible writing and there are one or two classic lines – and I mean classic.

“Adam Powley has found pics that are familiar but he’s dug deeper. . . some of the John Conteh stuff is amazing, it’s beautiful. A shot of Conteh in shower after losing to Parlov; Henry Cooper’s damaged eyes – those two pics are worth the price of the book alone. And there were about 30 times I laughed out loud.”

Hawksbee & Jacobs, Talksport: “Fantastic stuff. Great sporting pics but lots of unguarded moments as well, a really nice blend of the two

“Fans of the British game and the minutiae of it will love this – it’s not just about the great champions, it’s the few that you might not recognise as well.

“There are some brilliant photos you never expect to see. . . some really old archive stuff. The book is great, for any boxing fan its perfect Christmas present country – a lot of fun.”

Norman Giller, sports journalism great and boxing sage: “I have hundreds of boxing books in my collection. This one matches any of them for content, design and nostalgia. I hate to use clichés, but this really is a knockout of a book that will keep boxing aficionados engrossed for hours. Author Adam Powley has added a compelling narrative, and the design team have given wonderful old photographs loving treatment that makes you almost feel and taste the era in which they were taken.

“If you know your boxing history, you will not be able to put the book down. If you don’t know your boxing history, this will educate, enlighten and entertain you. For me, the best of Adam’s When… series, and that is saying something, because his previous microscopic looks at the world of Football and Cricket are also must-reads for anybody who enjoys the history of sport.”

“The research is fantastic. . . We absolutely love it. If you’re a cricket lover [you’ll] love it.” – Hawksbee & Jacobs, TalkSPORT

“Goodness knows what my idol Denis Compton would think if he came back and saw 20/20! Reading When Cricket Was Cricket will remind you of how it used to be before it became a game for the fast-food generation. You are in safe hands with author Adam Powley … as safe as Godfrey Evans.” – Norman Giller

“Wonderful” – lordshomeofcricket.org.

“A celebration of the past century of cricket” – Telegraph.co.uk

“Adam’s book reminds us that you didn’t need flannels, a hyphen in your surname and a silver spoon in your mouth to play.” – Newcastle Journal

“a photographic journey over the last 100 years. . . so many stories are told. . .  a whole range of lovely photographs” – Phil Parry, BBC Radio London

“I thoroughly love it. Absolutely terrific. All the photos, all the stories – the pictures are just sensational.” – Geoff Clark, BBC Radio Sussex

“The perfect guide to cricket’s golden years. guaranteed to bowl you over, knock you for six and generally conjure up all those other cricketing clichés. . . [an] entertaining tour through decades past.” – Pendle Today

I’d welcome any comments you may have, on the books, on sports history, or anything to do with sport. Just email me at adampowley@virginmedia.com or find me on Twitter @adampowley.