Will Carling: My Autobiography by Carling, Will
Will Carling: My Autobiography (Collectible First Edition Hardcover)
A Candid and Unfiltered Account of England's Most Iconic Rugby Captain, Grand Slam Triumphs, and the Tumultuous Dawn of Professionalism
A Candid and Unfiltered Account of England's Most Iconic Rugby Captain, Grand Slam Triumphs, and the Tumultuous Dawn of Professionalism
Bibliographic Specifications
- Title: Will Carling: My Autobiography
- Author: Will Carling (with Paul Ackford)
- Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton, London
- Publication Date: 1998
- ISBN-13: 9780340696583 (ISBN-10: 0340696583)
- Edition Details: First Edition, First Impression.
- Binding: Original publisher's premium cloth boards with gilt-titled spine, accompanied by the original illustrated dust jacket.
- Physical Format: Octavo (8vo), 318 pages. Features 16 pages of exclusive glossy black-and-white and colour photographic plates documenting historic test matches.
- Language: English
Official Condition Report
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The Book: Very Good (VG)
- Exterior / Boards: The original dark cloth boards are square, crisp, and exceptionally clean. The gilt spine lettering remains brilliant and completely untarnished. Corner tips and spine terminals show only microscopic shelf friction, entirely appropriate for a well-preserved 1998 hardcover.
- Interior: The text block is robustly bound, tight, and uncreased. Internal pages and photographic plates are clean and crisp, remaining free from ink inscriptions, library stamps, owner names, or highlighting.
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The Dust Jacket: Very Good (VG)
- Condition Description: The original illustrated jacket is complete and unclipped. It retains vibrant colour with only minimal shelf rubbing along the high-gloss surface and light bumping to the top edge of the spine area. It is entirely free of chips, deep tears, or sun fading.
Synopsis & Historical Value
Published in October 1998, Will Carling: My Autobiography serves as an incredibly frank, contemporary record of one of Northern Hemisphere rugby's most dominant and polarizing figures. Will Carling assumed the England captaincy at the exceptionally young age of 22, subsequently leading his nation through its most successful modern era, including three historic Grand Slam victories. Writing alongside veteran rugby journalist Paul Ackford, Carling pulls no punches as he details the inner workings of elite international play and the infamous clash with the Rugby Football Union general committee that led to his brief, high-profile sacking. Crucially, this book covers more than just pitch tactics; it provides an honest reflection on the severe personal tolls of British media scrutiny, detailing the tabloid frenzy surrounding his private life and his highly publicized friendship with Diana, Princess of Wales. It is a mandatory collectible copy for rugby union historians and fans of vintage sporting literature.
Author Profile: Will Carling
Will Carling (OBE) is a legendary English former rugby union player who remains one of the sport's most successful and recognizable captains. Commissioned as an army captain in his early twenties, Carling left the military to dedicate himself to international rugby, earning 72 caps for England and touring with the British & Irish Lions. His natural leadership and tactical acuity transformed England into a powerhouse during the late amateur and early professional transitions. Following his retirement from active play, Carling established himself as an insightful television rugby pundit, corporate hospitality executive, and motivational speaker, cementing his legacy as a true pioneer of modern rugby culture.
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