Imran Khan [Hardcover]

Christopher Sandford (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 2009

The definitive biography of Imran Khan, the former Pakistan cricket captain and all-rounder—the Oxbridge graduate and vociferous campaigner; the devout Muslim whose kaleidoscopic social life flooded the gossip columns; the man who raised $60 million for cancer research and who is now one of the most important political figures in Pakistan. On one thing, Imran Khan's friends and enemies agree: it all began with the leopard print satin trousers. In November 1974, the Cricketer International published an article about the new elite group of young talented players, "into concepts like fashion and pop music," and bent on challenging cricket's eternal stereotypes. Of the five featured stars on the cover, a superbly hirsute 21-year-old wearing a tight black shirt and gaudy trousers, with a facial expression of supreme self-confidence, stood out. Imran Khan has always been a controversial figure, a man who gives rise to hot debate on account of his strong conviction and hard line views. From his achievements on the cricket field as the Pakistan captain who captured the World Cup and the game's best all-rounder in history, through to his racy social life—the practicing Muslim boogieing on the dancefloor of Annabel's; an "astonishing lovemaker," according to one overnight partner; praised by Diana Princess of Wales, close friend to his then wife Jemima Goldsmith, as a "devoted husband"—the Imran story is full of color and contradictions. Acclaimed biographer Christopher Sandford has approached a richly varied cast list of Imran associates past and present—from Geoff Boycott, Javed Miandad, Mike Brearley, David Gower, and John Major through to Nelson Mandela and close acquaintances such as Eric Clapton, Mick Jagger, John Major, Keith Richards, sources close to the late Princess of Wales, and Pakistan's General Musharraf. Imran Khan himself and his ex-wife Jemima have agreed to be interviewed for the book and given Sandford exclusive access to Imran's inner sanctum.

Editorial Reviews

Review

‘Imran Khan is the ultimate crossover celebrity’ New York Times‘Imran deserves recognition for his outstanding personal contribution to the practical welfare of millions of people, not only in Pakistan but around the world’ 2006 Nobel Peace Prize judges --This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

About the Author

Christopher Sandford has written biographies of English cricket legends Godfrey Evans and Tom Graveney as well as biographies of Eric Clapton, David Bowie, Bruce Springsteen, Keith Richards, Steve McQueen, Paul McCartney, and Roman Polanski. His articles have appeared in the Times, Daily Telegraph, the Spectator, Cosmopolitan, Vanity Fair, and the New York Times. He divides his time between Seattle and England.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 384 pages
• Publisher: HarperCollins UK (September 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 000726285X
• ISBN-13: 978-0007262854
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #737,731 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #62 in Books > Sports & Outdoors > Other Team Sports > Cricket

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant, December 27, 2009

By 

Raja Sohail Abbas "cafefikr" (Charleston, WV, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Imran Khan (Hardcover)

Having read the Autobiography of Imran Khan "All round view" back in the early 90's, this new biography by a noted biographer was like a sip of water for parched throats. Imran Khan as a wonderful world figure, with all his weaknesses and strengths is highlighted in this excellent read. I would highly recommend it.