Fire in Babylon

How the West Indies Cricket Team Brought a People to its Feet

Simon Lister author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Vintage Publishing

Published:19th May '16

Should be back in stock very soon

Fire in Babylon cover

This remarkable book chronicles the West Indies cricket team's rise under Clive Lloyd and Vivian Richards, showcasing their impact on the sport and society.

In Fire in Babylon, the narrative unfolds around the transformative era of West Indies cricket, particularly during the leadership of Clive Lloyd and Vivian Richards. This book captures the essence of a team that not only excelled in the sport but also became a symbol of pride and resilience for a people who had faced centuries of adversity. The authors weave together personal accounts from players and fans, illustrating how cricket became a powerful vehicle for social change and national identity in the Caribbean.

The West Indies cricket team, traditionally known for its individual brilliance, found cohesion and strength under Lloyd's captaincy, which began in 1974. The book highlights the evolution of the team, showcasing how they broke free from the constraints that had long held them back. Through their explosive batting and fiery bowling, these players redefined the game, challenging the norms and expectations of traditional cricket while inspiring a generation.

Fire in Babylon is not just a sports biography; it's a cultural chronicle that explores the intersection of cricket and Caribbean identity. It delves into the impact of the team's success on the lives of ordinary people, illustrating how their victories resonated far beyond the cricket field. This definitive account serves as a tribute to a remarkable chapter in sports history, celebrating the legacy of a team that changed the game forever.

I doubt there will be a better book written about this period in West Indies cricket history -- Clive Lloyd

Outstanding... Lister's book works magnificently not just because he tells a great story with unfussy clarity and journalistic rigour but because - like the best sports books - it is not content to stick to sport.

-- Richard Whitehead * The Times *
A perceptive and comprehensive account that more than cricket knows -- Gideon Haigh
Calm and fair, but with pace and bounce, the story of the most feared team cricket has ever seen -- Matthew Engel
As near definitive as you could want...expert and knowledgeable -- Danny Kelly * Observer *

  • Winner of Cricket Society and MMC Book of the Year Award 2016 (UK)
  • Short-listed for William Hill Sports Book of the Year 2015 (UK)
  • Short-listed for Cross Sports Book Awards - Cricket Book of the Year 2016 (UK)

ISBN: 9780224092241

Dimensions: 198mm x 130mm x 23mm

Weight: 269g

384 pages