Bellies and Bullseyes: The Outrageous True Story of Darts [Hardcover]

Sid Waddell (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 28, 2007

Covering everything from the early days of hustling in pubs and the 1960s money race pub competitions that spawned the likes of John Lowe and Eric Bristow, to the glory days of ITV’s brilliantly daft Indoor League; this book moves from the bling of Bobby George and the belly of Jocky Wilson to Sid’s part in the schism between the BDO and newly formed PDC. It mixes Sid's own "I was there" story with the entire story of darts—a kind of comic Darts Babylon that features every event and every character to walk the oche from Eric "The Crafty Cockney" Bristow to Phil "The Power" Taylor. The whole thing has a distinct whiff of cigarettes, alcohol, hot tungsten, and moist polyester. Sid knows all the stars as intimate friends and has been instrumental in the game's progress himself and his writing is as colorful as his commentary. Sid is something of a legend and since he started in the 1970s has had more column inches than Richie Benaud and John Motson combined.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Sid Waddell works for Sky Television and commentates on all major PDC televised darts tournaments.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 352 pages
• Publisher: Ebury Press (August 28, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0091917557
• ISBN-13: 978-0091917555
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.2 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,452,717 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars Sid rocks, March 29, 2011

By 

Jeffrey J Bogal - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Bellies and Bullseyes: The Outrageous True Story of Darts (Hardcover)

Sid has made darts enjoyable to watch so I gave this book a look. He really has made this sport what it is today. (With the help of the pros)

3.0 out of 5 stars For most a tough read in the US., September 6, 2008

By 

J. Murphy - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Bellies and Bullseyes: The Outrageous True Story of Darts (Hardcover)

I enjoyed the book quite a bit and play in a few dart leagues. Why did I only gave it a three? I followed darts in England for quite awhile since I lived in New Zealand a few years. In the US no one knows who any of these players are except the most die hard dart players. At league one night I asked 10 people who John Lowe and Eric Bristow where only.... 1 knew. Like I said I liked the book but most here wouldn't have much of an interest. Hopefully that will change as the sport grows.

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Introduction to the World of Professional Darts, May 13, 2008

By 

Geodarts - See all my reviews

This review is from: Bellies and Bullseyes: The Outrageous True Story of Darts (Hardcover)

People sometimes wonder about my interest in professional darts. Although the sport is huge in England and Europe, those of us in the states are just beginning to take note. My wife and I go to the Las Vegas Classic each July to watch the best players in the world -- and we went to London for the 2008 World Championships. A match between Phil "the Power" Taylor and Raymond Van Barneveld is one of the classic sporting events for its drama, entertainment, and atmosphere. So that brings us to Sid Waddell. Waddell has made a career of calling the action on British TV -- American fans such as myself must generally be content to listen to the audio stream or watch the snippets that are sometimes shown on sports networks here long after the event is over. But Wadell makes it worthwhile. Who could come up with lines like, "His face is sagging with tension" or "Even Hypotenuse would have trouble working out these angles." So if you are at all curious, this book is a must-read. And if you read it, I can honestly say that you will never look at a dartboard the same way again.