Description
Book SynopsisThe Natural: The Story of Patsy Houlihan, the Greatest Snooker Player You Never Saw is the compelling story of a man who potted balls fast and potted them hard. South Londoner Patsy Houlihan was one of the top amateurs of the 1950s and 60s as well as the greatest hustler of all time. He should have been a major player on the world stage, but the professional game was a closed shop and the likes of Patsy weren't welcome. However, in the smoke-filled snooker halls of the backstreets of working-class Britain, populated by tough men seeking to make a quick buck from the game they loved, Patsy was a folk hero and an inspiration to a generation of players, including his close friend Jimmy White. This is the story of the greatest snooker player who never reached the big time, but whose exploits, adventures and skills guaranteed him immortality in the minds and imaginations of those lucky enough to have seen him play. The Natural brings to life the story of a forgotten snooker pioneer and master entertainer.
Trade Review"An outstanding book, this labour of love provides a wonderful insight into one of snooker's great mythical characters. It's also a time capsule and piece of social history, bringing to life characters and places from and places from a bygone age." -- Nick Metcalfe * Talking Snooker podcast *
"This was such an enjoyable read and an educational experience at the same time. Not only about the life and times of Patsy Houlihan, but how snooker as a sport evolved and also a social history, specifically of south London. Told with an obvious warmth and passion by the author, and told through the wide range of people he spoke to about Patsy." -- Phil Haigh * Talking Snooker podcast *
"Five stars. Fantastic book... As a work of biography, Williams has done a great job capturing the essence of Houlihan as a man, a friend, a father and a snooker player. Williams has done a wonderful job in bringing Patsy Houlihan to life in this entertaining, excellent book." -- Brendan Crawley * All Sports Book Reviews *
"This is a vivid, impeccably researched account of a gifted player who never got a proper chance to show the world how good he was. Full of interesting details and brimming with anecdotes, 'The Natural' does justice to Patsy Houlihan and evokes a time long before snooker was a respectable staple of the television schedules." -- David Hendon * snooker writer and Eurosport commentator *
"This green baize belter is a 147 of a Snooker story that's also a riveting read and a superb slice of social history. Luke Williams effortlessly pots the black with this brilliant book."
-- Paul Ross * TalkSPORT *
