Johnners: The Life of Brian
With his schoolboy humour and his distinctive, cheerful voice,
Brian Johnston was a friend to millions of radio listeners
and when he died in 1994 at the age of eighty-one, the Daily
Telegraph described him as 'the greatest natural broadcaster
of them all'.
His remarkable broadcasting career spread over forty-eight
years and made him a household name as a cricket commentator
and on programmes such as In Town Tonight and Down
Your Way.
Barry Johnston has had exclusive access to his father's letters
and has interviewed dozens of his friends and colleagues. Here
is the true story of the man behind the microphone, including
his controversial sacking from television and his re-emergence
as a much-loved figure on Test Match Special.
Reviews
‘A beautifully balanced book. It certainly does tell
the whole story.’ Test Match Special
‘Johnners is a richly entertaining tribute to one of
the pioneers and characters of radio and television broadcasting
and will appeal to cricket lovers and non cricket lovers alike … a
fascinating insight into life lived to the full and thoroughly
enjoyed and reveals the private man behind the public personality.’ Birmingham
Post
‘It is peppered with anecdotes which his father would
have clearly enjoyed and has a name dropper’s dream list
of acquaintances from John F Kennedy and Neville Chamberlain
to Denis Compton and Bud Flanagan. Very comprehensive.’ Yorkshire
Post
‘Anecdotal evidence of the broadcaster’s beaming
zeal for life is crammed between the covers like a Test player’s
cricket chest … the book radiates warmth, pride and
humanity. What’s more, it is a rollicking good read.’ York
Evening Post
‘A moving biography. It is a wonderful portrait of
a full and vigorous life against the backdrop of most of the
major events of the 20th century.’ Halifax Evening Courier
‘Moving … This definitive and intimate portrayal
is definitely a must-have for all fans of cricket.’ Devon
Today
‘Barry Johnston’s fondly written record of his
father’s full life is a must for cricketing enthusiasts
and a fitting tribute to a national treasure.’ Kent Messenger
‘In the commentary box at the end of every Test match
the commentators vote on the Brian Johnston champagne moment – something
extraordinary, memorable, even absurd. It is a fitting monument,
as is this respectful, loving book.’ Spectator
‘Johnston manages to steer that fine line of being
the guardian of his father’s memory without being sentimental … I
found it immensely moving to read of the darker moments which
touched the life of the man who has so often lifted me out
of my own doldrums with his easy good humour.’ Daily
Telegraph |
