Our Books

Never Surrender

Never Surrender

The Life of Douglas Jardine

Mark Peel

RRP: £19.99

Publication date: August 30, 2021

ISBN: 9781785319921

Pages: 288

Illustrations: Includes colour picture section

RRP: £9.99

Publication date: August 30, 2021

ISBN: 9781785319990

Pages: 288

Illustrations: Includes colour picture section

Never Surrender: The Life of Douglas Jardine is the enthralling story of England’s most controversial cricket captain, forever associated with bodyline bowling on MCC’s tour to Australia in 1932/33. Despite his privileged upbringing and amateur status, Jardine’s steely personality and win-at-all-costs ethos was more akin to the professional game. Confronted with the run-making genius of Australia’s Don Bradman in 1932/33, Jardine resorted to a form of intimidatory bowling that helped England regain the Ashes, but his tactics shocked Australia and brought relations between the two countries to the point of collapse. To restore harmony, Jardine was disowned by the MCC cricket establishment and shunned thereafter, but now – in a more modern, competitive age – his reputation has undergone a rehabilitation, not least in Australia. Drawing on fresh material, award-winning cricket author Mark Peel reappraises an outstanding leader whose care for those he valued knew no bounds.

Mark Peel

Mark Peel has written 15 books including England Expects: A Biography of Ken Barrington (winner of the 1993 Cricket Society Literary Award), Ambassadors of Goodwill (shortlisted for the MCC/Cricket Society Book of the Year 2018), Playing the Game (shortlisted for the Daily Telegraph Cricket Book of the Year 2018), The Life of Douglas Jardine (shortlisted for the Sunday Times Sports Book Awards 2021) and Gilly: The Turbulent Life of Roy Gilchrist.

Find out more

Frequently Asked Questions

What is "Never Surrender" about?

Never Surrender: The Life of Douglas Jardine is the enthralling story of England's most controversial cricket captain, forever associated with bodyline bowling on MCC's tour to Australia in 1932/33. Despite his privileged upbringing and amateur status, Jardine's steely personality and win-at-all-costs ethos was more akin to the professional game. Confronted with the run-making genius of Australia's Don Bradman in 1932/33, Jardine resorted to a form of intimidatory bowling that helped England regain the Ashes, but his tactics shocked Australia and brought relations between the two countries to the point of collapse. To restore harmony, Jardine was disowned by the MCC cricket establishment and shunned thereafter, but now - in a more modern, competitive age - his reputation has undergone a rehabilitation, not least in Australia. Drawing on fresh material, award-winning cricket author Mark Peel reappraises an outstanding leader whose care for those he valued knew no bounds.

Who wrote "Never Surrender"?

"Never Surrender" was written by Mark Peel.

Mark Peel has written 15 books including England Expects: A Biography of Ken Barrington (winner of the 1993 Cricket Society Literary Award), Ambassadors of Goodwill (shortlisted for the MCC/Cricket Society Book of the Year 2018), Playing the Game (shortlisted for the Daily Telegraph Cricket Book of the Year 2018), The Life of Douglas Jardine (shortlisted for the Sunday Times Sports Book Awards 2021) and Gilly: The Turbulent Life of Roy Gilchrist.

Who would enjoy "Never Surrender"?
"Never Surrender" is perfect for readers who enjoy books about cricket.