A COLLECTION of the work of West Country journalist and author David Foot has been launched.

David, originally from East Coker, was a journalist for more than 60 years who wrote 30 books before died in 2021, aged 92.

Footprints spans the full range of his work, from cricket, football and boxing to theatre, local history and murder.

There are hilarious accounts of his apprenticeship and extracts from his unpublished biography of WG Grace.

There is also private writing from teenage diaries through to late-life reflections on memory loss.

READ MORE: Publication of writings by David Foot.

The book was officially launched at Gloucestershire County Cricket Club.

Guests heard anecdotes from Stephen Chalke, author and editor of the book; Davids children Mark and Julia; Scyld Berry, former cricket correspondent of the Observer and Daily Telegraph; as well as others.

Stephen said: “With an observant eye, a fascination with human nature and a felicitous way with words, David wrote with intimate insight on a wide cast of characters from cricketer Viv Richards and rugby star Carwyn James to actor Peter O’Toole, politician Harold Macmillan and poet Siegfried Sassoon.

“As a cricket writer, for the Guardian and in a string of books, he won multiple awards, developing a style all his own.

"His biography of Harold Gimblett, breaking new ground by exploring the mental turmoil of the Somerset batsman who committed suicide, regularly features high in lists of best cricket books of all time.”

He added: “Footprints is a collection of writing by a superb wordsmith and also the intimate story of how a boy from humble rural roots in Somerset overcame setbacks to become a writer not only of beguiling prose but of wisdom, compassion and humanity.”

Mark said: “As most of dad’s career was pre-internet, he kept everything he’d penned for research so when he died it was incredible not only to be reminded of how much he’d written, but also the diverse range of subjects he’d covered.

“He was known primarily for his cricket writing but as a drama critic for the Bristol Evening World and the Guardian, he was the first to review a Harold Pinter play and the last to review a George Formby performance.

“Sadly, dad died during the pandemic and so many people were unable to pay their respects at the funeral.

"The book launch has been a wonderful opportunity to pay tribute to him and honour his legacy. It’s a captivating collection of work and we’re delighted it’s being shared and enjoyed.”

For further information or to place an order, visit www.thenightwatchman.net/buy/product-category/books