Top 10 Snooker Books
Snooker, with its rich history and captivating personalities, has inspired numerous authors to pen insightful books that delve into the game’s intricacies, legendary players, and behind-the-scenes stories. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or a newcomer eager to learn more, here’s a curated list of the top ten snooker books that offer a blend of technique, biography, and history.
1. “Black Farce and Cue Ball Wizards: The Inside Story of the Snooker World” by Clive Everton
Clive Everton, often referred to as “the voice of snooker,” provides an insider’s perspective on the snooker world in this compelling read. The book offers a detailed history of the sport, intertwined with Everton’s personal experiences as a commentator and journalist. Readers have praised it for its depth and candidness, with one noting, “It’s a bit dated now as it only covers up to the start of Hearn’s era, but it’s brilliant and covers the so-called ‘golden era’ and a lot of the behind-the-scenes stuff in amazing detail.”
2. “Running: The Autobiography” by Ronnie O’Sullivan
Ronnie O’Sullivan, one of snooker’s most enigmatic and talented players, shares his life story in this autobiography. From his early days to his rise as a world champion, O’Sullivan offers a candid look into his personal struggles and professional triumphs. The book has been well-received, with an average rating of 3.80 based on 1,537 ratings. goodreads.com
3. “Behind the White Ball: My Autobiography” by Jimmy White
Jimmy White, affectionately known as “The Whirlwind,” recounts his journey in the world of snooker. This autobiography delves into his career highs and lows, offering readers an intimate look at his life both on and off the table. Fans have found it to be a fun and engaging read.
4. “Interesting: My Autobiography” by Steve Davis
Steve Davis, a six-time World Snooker Champion, reflects on his illustrious career in this autobiography. Known for his meticulous approach to the game, Davis provides insights into his strategies, memorable matches, and the evolution of snooker over the decades. The book holds an average rating of 3.82 based on 144 ratings. goodreads.com
5. “Classic Snooker” by Ray Reardon
Ray Reardon, a dominant force in snooker during the 1970s, offers readers a comprehensive guide to the game in “Classic Snooker.” The book covers techniques, strategies, and Reardon’s personal experiences, making it a valuable resource for players looking to improve their skills. It has an average rating of 4.25 based on 4 ratings. goodreads.com
6. “The Natural: The Story of Patsy Houlihan, the Greatest Snooker Player You Never Saw” by Luke G. Williams
This biography sheds light on Patsy Houlihan, a talented snooker player who, despite his skills, remained relatively unknown to the broader public. Luke G. Williams explores Houlihan’s life, his contributions to the game, and the reasons behind his obscurity. A review highlights the book’s depth, stating, “Williams has done a wonderful job in bringing Patsy Houlihan to life in this entertaining, excellent book.”
7. “Snooker and Billiards: Technique, Tactics, Training” by Clive Everton
Another gem from Clive Everton, this book serves as a comprehensive manual for players aiming to enhance their snooker and billiards skills. It covers fundamental techniques, advanced tactics, and training routines, making it suitable for both beginners and seasoned players. The book has an average rating of 4.15 based on 13 ratings.
8. “On Snooker” by Mordecai Richler
Mordecai Richler, a renowned Canadian author, shares his passion for snooker in this collection of essays. The book offers a blend of personal anecdotes, historical insights, and reflections on the game’s cultural significance. Readers have found Richler’s enthusiasm infectious, with one noting, “His passion for the game really rubbed off on me.” forums.azbilliards.com
9. “Snooker (Know the Game)” by Ken Williams
Aimed at newcomers, this book provides a concise introduction to snooker, covering the basics of gameplay, rules, and etiquette. It’s a handy guide for those looking to understand the fundamentals of the game. A reviewer mentioned, “This book will explain and demonstrate with text and pictures everything you always wanted to know about snooker but did not know who to ask.” goodreads.com
10. “The Crucible’s Greatest Matches: Forty Years of Snooker’s World Championship in Sheffield” by Hector Nunns
Hector Nunns takes readers on a journey through some of the most memorable matches in the history of the World Snooker Championship held at the Crucible Theatre. The book captures the drama, tension, and excitement of these iconic encounters. It holds an average rating of 4.05 based on 19 ratings. goodreads.com
These books offer a diverse range of perspectives on snooker, from technical guides to personal memoirs, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of the game’s nuances and its storied history.
Peter Tesh • Senior Writer
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