Wisden 1864–1879

The following information is predicated on the assumption that if you bought a Wisden, no matter what the year, you must have affection for cricket, and that if you did not buy it then your Wisden was given to you by somebody who had the foresight and wisdom to understand you have a passion for the game.

Part 1: 1864-1879:

So let us take a quick look at the first sixteen issues of what is universally known today as Wisden. Ironically it began life in 1864 as “The Cricketer’s Almanack” and did not become “John Wisden’s Cricketers’ Almanack” until 1870. It was another 68 years before it became “Wisden Cricketers' Almanack.” The name by which we know it today.

The Oxford Dictionary tells us there is no ‘K’ in the spelling of the word ‘almanac’. Mr. John Wisden obviously believed otherwise and subsequent owners of the brand name have stuck with his interpretation (with the exception of the 1903 edition). Thus my ramblings are also faithful to John Wisden’s spelling.

One might say that the 1864 Almanack is a must. Of course, it is, but for the cricket buff there is no acknowledgement in it th