A groundbreaking exploration of the history of cricket's ultimate achievement and of the mental and physical qualities shown by the greatest players in the game.

"Combines anecdote and insight drawn from personal experience into a fine book on the art of batsmanship." The Guardian, Books of the Year "A beguiling insight into the trials, tribulations and triumphs of life as a batsman." Lawrence Booth, editor of Wisden "I love the way Steve James writes about cricket, his endless curiosity and generosity. The Art of Centuries distils a lifetime's wisdom, joy and frustration - a three-figure literary innings." Gideon Haigh "Excellent." -- Mike Atherton The Times "A delight... It is always fun to read Steve's work. His previous book The Plan was a terrific breakdown of how Duncan Fletcher and Andy Flower took England to the top during their time as head coach. This new book has a nice, light, often discursive touch to it, and I like discursive, that delightful pathway into digression where one memory prompts another." -- Mike Selvey The Guardian