In 1864 the gentleman on the right, John Wisden, published a new book on cricket that has subsequently been published every year since. Little did Mr Wisden know that people from every corner of the globe would eagerly await each new edition and enthusiastically attempt to acquire as many as possible from the very first one that time and money would allow. Each yearly Wisden is unique. Wisden is much more than a book of facts and figures, each particular almanack is a timeless period piece that once opened can take the willing onlooker on a fabulous journey into a bygone era.
Amidst a Global Pandemic both the 2021 and 2022 editions were published, continuing the unbroken run from 1864 – a mammoth achievement. Throughout its history Wisden has been published through two World Wars and decades of upheaval and uncertainty but its prevailing sense of tradition, value and decency have shone through. The language and prose through the years is a wonderful gauge of the world itself and the changing values of both sport and society.
It has been said that Wisden collectors are an eccentric bunch and that may well be true. The Wisden Collectors’ Club was formed in 2011 to talk about the almanack and the game, to enjoy both, to entertain and, to try and help on all things Wisden. It is fair to say that some of our members are most certainly eccentric and we are very proud indeed of our eccentricity.
We are not complete experts, there is much we don’t know, but we hope to have fun along the way finding out more about the wonderful book that the chap on the right began over 150 years ago, so welcome to our website and please feel free to join us.