The Hurricane: The Turbulent Life and Times of Alex Higgins

Description

'Jaw-dropping . . . Whether you like snooker or not, it's as good a 'wild man' story as you're likely to read.'Dave Faulkner, Time OutBorn on a council estate in Belfast, Alex Higgins left school at 15. In 1972, aged only 23, he became the youngest person ever to win the snooker world championship. He triumphed again in an emotional final ten years later, in the process becoming the biggest box-office draw the game has ever known.Alex Higgins was a showman, gambler, comedian, bully, charmer and alcoholic. His antics - and ferocious temper - were legendary, yet he was loved by millions. Bill Borrows vividly reconstructs the terrifying roller-coaster ride that is Higgins's life. Outrageous, gripping and ultimately emotionally wrenching, this is the definitive account of the one of the most charismatic and self-destructive figures ever to appear in British sport.'A reminder of Higgins's wild and wretched ways, but also of his genius.' Nick Pitt, Sports Book of the Year, Sunday Times'I genuinely read this unauthorised portrait of Alex Higgins in one sitting, so compelling is the tale of this disturbed genius.' Brian Reade, Daily Mirror'Borrows shows how Higgins almost destroyed himself through his addictive, psychotic personality. At time the book almost reads like a script for a horror film.' Leo McKinstry, Sports Books of the Year, Sunday Telegraph

Bill Borrows writes columns for the Daily Mirror and Maxim magazine, where he is also the Editor-at-Large. He also writes for the Guardian, The Times, Mail on Sunday and Cosmopolitan. This is his first book.

"'Jaw-dropping reading... whether you like snooker or not, it's as good a "wild man" story as you're likely to read.' Dave Faulkner, Time Out * 'Harrowing, incredulous and hilarious... I genuinely read this unauthorised portrait of Alex Higgins in one sitting, so compelling is the tale of this disturbed genius.' Brian Reade, Daily Mirror 'Borrows shows how Higgins almost destroyed himself through his addictive, psychotic personality. At times the book almost reads like a script for a horror film' Leo McKinstry, Sports Books of the Year, Sunday Telegraph 'A reminder of Higgin's wild and wretched ways, but also of his genius.' Nick Pitt, Sports Books of the Year, Sunday Times"