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A Load of Old Balls

The QI History of Sport

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A Load of Old Balls

By: James Harkin, Anna Ptaszynski
Narrated by: Anna Ptaszynski, James Harkin
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About this listen

Previously published as EVERYTHING TO PLAY FOR: THE QI BOOK OF SPORTS

SHORTLISTED FOR THE CHARLES TYRWHITT SPORTS BOOK AWARDS

'Top Bins! A personal best, a lap record and a hole in one for when rain has stopped play.' ALAN DAVIES

'The trivia book of the season . . . magnificent.' SPECTATOR

Hop, skip and jump into this wonderfully curious grand tour of the world of sports, brought to you by QI Elves James Harkin and Anna Ptaszynski.

From sport's weirdest rules to its most unlikely heroes, via comically large cricket bats, pole-vaulting priests, creative football chants and exploding billiard balls, each chapter of A Load of Old Balls is brimming with surprising facts and intriguing stories.

Even if you've never asked yourself what David Attenborough has to do with yellow tennis balls, why Victorian doctors feared the outbreak of 'bicycle face' or what led ancient Egyptian athletes to have their spleens removed, this book will give you the astonishing answers - and plenty more besides.

**

For more from the team behind QI's hit TV show, check out the QI FACTS series of books, @qikipedia, their weekly podcast at nosuchthingasafish.com or visit qi.com

©2023 James Harkin (P)2023 Faber & Faber Sports Funny
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The extra bit at the end was pretty cool. Could do with the music though. Sports history is fun.

Sports

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Very interesting & informative. As someone who follows many sports there was plenty of new stories & facts I’d never heard before. Thoroughly entertaining

Enjoyable

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I wasn't sure this would be my sort of thing as I know next to nothing about sports beyond the basics. But I was happily proven wrong as this book is very enjoyable. Would recomend to anyone looking for a feel-good yet factual book.

Very funny ad interesting, even for non-sports fans

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Was never really too bothered by sports or sport related stories but after completing this book I will view sport in a completely new light. Thanks to QI for that opportunity. Loved it!

Great listen

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Interesting, engaging and lighthearted (except all the sad bits about social injustice - but that’s life) thoroughly enjoyable listen.

Excellent - love these guys

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