An absorbing book looking over the 100 years of Sheffield Shield cricket (to 1991/92). The author runs over each section of history while also giving the great and personal stories of not only the greats but the now-forgotten (Tom Hastings and Mat Ellis, come on down) as well.

And any cricket book worth its salt has to mention David Hookes's 34 ball century; still the fastest first-class century in terms of deliveries faced. "A century of summers" gives Hookes his due.

Highly recommended, if you can get your hands on it these days. ( )