Chasing Shadows: The Life and Death of Peter Roebuck

Description

Part biography, part personal reflection and part investigation, Chasing Shadows: The Life And Death Of Peter Roebuck will celebrate Roebuck's immense achievements as a player, captain, writer, broadcaster and philanthropist, but not shy away from the controversies that plagued his life and hang so darkly and with such uncertainty over his shocking death. Initial investigations have already uncovered details previously unknown to the public, while some of the cricket world's giant figures have volunteered due praise - and criticism - for this remarkable figure. Tim Lane and co-author Elliot Cartledge will explore the 'Roebuck phenomenon', how this seemingly awkward and eccentric intellectual giant became, briefly, an English cricket captain, was embroiled in a long-standing feud with the likes of Ian Botham and Viv Richards, gained adulation throughout the sub-continent and Australasia and established what was essentially a homespun charity to put scores of impoverished Africans through secondary schooling and university. Along with the recollections and revelations of colleague and confidante Tim Lane, the book will feature in its telling the likes of Ian Botham, Viv Richards, Ian Chappell, Mark Nicholas, Steve Waugh, Rahul Dravid, Ricky Ponting, Kerry O'Keefe, Martin Crowe, Mike Coward, Jim Maxwell and many others, including members of the Roebuck family. "The book has one supreme quality: it is fair-minded" - Martin Flanagan, Sydney Morning Herald "This first-class work of investigative reporting tracks down key figures who shed crucial light on Roebuck's life, while resisting pat conclusions." - Steven Carroll, Canberra Times "This tantalising kaleidoscope of a book, which honours the complexity of the man while rigorously pursuing the truth." - Steven Carroll, Canberra Times "There could be no more difficult person to interperet" - Tim Lane, Sunday Age

Tim Lane is one of the most recognised and respected sporting commentators in Australia, Tim was an ABC television and radio icon for many years before joining commercial networks. He is into his fourth decade of calling test cricket and remains heavily involved in the print media as well, most notably with a Saturday sport column for The Age. Tim lives in Melbourne, Australia. Elliot Cartledge is a freelance writer, editor and author of two sporting books, The Hafey Years (2011) and Footy's Glory Days (2013). He has played and coached cricket in four different continents, has extensive contacts in both playing and official ranks and has worked in cricket development for the ICC. Elliot lives in Melbourne, Australia.

"honours the complexity of the man while rigorously pursuing the truth." - Sydney Morning Herald "One of the very beat cricket books of the year." - Cricketweb.net "it [Chasing Shadows] will bring both reassessment and closure. By that measure alone, this is an important work." - ESPNcricinfo "I reckon I have read more than 1,000 books about this sporting life, reviewed half of them and been blown away by a dozen tops. Maybe I am still reeling from the emotional charge of a grim tale, but none has matched this monument to the art, craft and heart of both fair and unflinching journalism." - The Cricketer