Lives in Cricket No 2 - Johnny Briggs

Acknowledgements and Bibliography Despite his colourful life and times, only three books on Briggs had been published up to 2006. The first was a contemporary account, entitled ‘The Life of John Briggs’, written by Herbert Turner with sketches by Rip and selling for 2p. It was originally published in 1902 by Thomas Sowler and Sons Ltd of Cannon Street, Manchester. A second, enlarged and revised edition, also selling for 2p, was also published. At the time Cricket magazine described it as ‘very cheap at the price’. In 2000 it was reprinted in facsimile edition by Red Rose Books with a new introduction by Gerry Wolstenholme. Only 200 numbered copies were produced. The second book, ‘Johnny Remembered, a celebration of the life and career of Johnny Briggs’, was written by the Rev Malcolm Lorimer, a former chairman of the ACS. It was published in 2006 in a limited edition of 225 copies. Lorimer, although born in Yorkshire, has been involved with Lancashire for more than twenty years in many capacities, including as the club’s honorary chaplain. In the latter capacity he once organised a prayer room for Moslems to be used during a one-day international at Old Trafford involving Pakistan. Lorimer is also the club’s official historian and archivist. The most recently published book on Briggs is ‘Johnny Briggs: Ashes century, Ashes hat-trick’ by K Martin Tebay. Again Red Rose Books was responsible for this limited edition of 200 copies, which first appeared in November 2006. Shortly after Briggs died a pamphlet listing a complete record of his performances in county cricket was published in Manchester. It was available from the author, Mr T. Swindell, ‘post free for twopence’, from his home address in Morton Road, Eccles. Of course, articles and photographs of Briggs appeared in contemporary cricket magazines and other publications, including Wisden’s Cricketers’ Almanack (1889), English Illustrated Magazine (June, 1890), Cricket magazine (26 February, 1885, 14 August, 1890, 25 September, 1890, 23 August, 1894, and 30 January, 106