Gordon Burn, author of Pocket Money, one of the best books ever written about snooker, has died of cancer at the age of 61.
Burn followed the 1985/86 season, a magical boom time for snooker which was vividly brought to life by his excellent writing.
He also wrote books on Peter Sutcliffe, Fred and Rose West and 24-hour rolling news.
If any snooker fan is yet to read Pocket Money, I recommend it as one of the few essential snooker books.
6 comments:
Oh that's really sad news. Gordon Burn was a superb journalist/writer and Pocket Money captured snooker at that time perfectly.
He was great on Krypton Factor as well! No seriously, have got that book but never got round to reading it. I'm going away for a couple of weeks in August for my wedding so will ensure that I pack it and read it.
I first read 'Pockey Money' when I was about 10 years old and still have that copy- it's one of my favourite sports books- I still dip into it occasionally.
It's superbly written, and tells us a lot about what went on behind the scenes in the 1980s.
My sincere condolences to his family.
Marcus.
Everything people say about "Pocket Money" is true - it really is essential snooker reading.
I'd also highly recommend "Snookered" by Donald Trelford, which was actually very similar but based on the previous season and taking a slightly different angle.
I never understand why it never gets a mention in the same category as "Pocket Money", as they're both excellent.
Readers of the blog probably know all about Clive Everton's brilliant "Black Farce and Cue Ball Wizards" but I'd also strongly recommend Clive's "Embassy Book of World Snooker" from 1993, a much under-rated work.
Yes I'm with you Anon.
Donald Trelford's book is also essential snooker reading.
I've been a big fan of Gordon Burn - and of snooker - for years, but had never got around to reading Pocket Money until he died. I supposed I thought, because it was one of his earliest books, that it wouldn't stand up to his later stuff like Best and Edwards. How wrong I was! I've written a review of it here as an atonement and to spread the word... RIP Gordon.
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