Hardcover Published October 2025, 488 pages Cricket’s Greatest All-Rounder
The Untold Story of Garry Sobers
In "Maestro," acclaimed sportswriter David Tossell delivers a masterful and deeply researched portrait of Sir Garfield Sobers, widely regarded as the greatest cricketer of his generation. Tossell, whose exceptional career spans over forty years and includes multiple British Sports Book Awards nominations, draws on new and historical testimony to bring Sobers’s storied life to vivid life. The book traces Sobers's humble beginnings in Barbados, where he lost his father at sea during World War II, and follows his meteoric rise to become West Indies captain and a global cricket icon. Tossell’s nuanced storytelling captures not only Sobers’s legendary achievements—like his unbeatable Test-best 365 runs and the six sixes in an over for Nottinghamshire—but also the personal and political challenges he faced.
David Tossell’s impartial analysis is a hallmark of "Maestro." He does not shy from examining Sobers's flaws, including the controversies that marked his career. From the tragic car crash that claimed the life of Collie Smith to the diplomatic storm caused by Sobers playing in Rhodesia, Tossell explores each episode with empathy and insight. His writing highlights the cultural importance of Sobers’s appointment as West Indies captain, a move that echoed Frank Worrell’s historic leadership and transformed the team’s identity on the world stage.
Sobers’s cricketing prowess—his evolution from left-arm spinner to the game’s premier all-rounder—is chronicled in detail, making "Maestro" a must-read for cricket enthusiasts and sports historians alike. Tossell’s attention to Sobers’s lifestyle, including his notorious all-night gambling and drinking, paints a three-dimensional portrait that moves far beyond statistics. Yet, even amid personal turmoil, Sobers consistently delivered unforgettable performances, such as his explosive 254 against Dennis Lillee in Australia and his triumphant tours of England in the 1960s.
David Tossell’s contribution to sports literature is immense, and "Maestro" stands out as a definitive biography that both celebrates and scrutinizes a complex sporting genius. Drawing on interviews with teammates and rivals, Tossell crafts a compelling narrative that situates Sobers in the broader context of cricket history and Caribbean culture. For anyone searching for the ultimate book on Garry Sobers or the rich legacy of West Indies cricket, "Maestro" is essential reading by one of the sport’s finest writers.
ROYAL MAIL TRACKED 48
This book will be delivered a few days after the publishing date.
Published: October 20, 2025
Price: £29.99
Paperback: 488 pages
ISBN-10: 1788216830
ISBN-13: 978-1836801535
Dimensions: 222 x 144 (mm)
Why Pre-order?
Since 2022, we've observed that publishers often opt for smaller print runs to manage costs effectively. This process has occasionally resulted in stock shortages. We strongly recommend pre-ordering to secure your copy and avoid disappointment.
