Book excerpt: Charles Burgess Fry, known as C. B. Fry was an English polymath; an outstanding sportsman, politician, diplomat, academic, teacher, writer, editor and publisher, who is best remembered for his career as a cricketer. Fry's achievements on the sporting field included representing England at both cricket and football, an F.A. Cup Final appearance for Southampton F.C. and equalling the then world record for the long jump. But he was much more than a sportsman. He won a major scholarship to Oxford, where his friends numbered Max Beerbohm, Hilaire Belloc, and F.E. Smith. He wrote several books, including an autobiography and a novel, and he was one of the most successful journalists of his day. He was a friend of many prominent Labour and Liberal politicians, but flirted with Fascism, meeting Hitler in 1934. He tried out for Hollywood, represented India at the League of Nations, and stood for Parliament three times. 'A most incredible man . . . the most variously gifted Englishman of any age . . . the pre-eminent all-rounder, not merely of his own age but, so far as is measurable, of all English history.' John Arlott; 'This is a well-researched, well-rounded picture of one of England's great sporting heroes.' - Jeremy Paxman, Mail on Sunday; 'He has written what should come to be regarded as one of the very best sporting biographies. I could not put it down.' - Michael Kennedy, Sunday Telegraph; 'This is a book that rises to its subject's level in fascination, entertainment and brilliance.' - Tim Rice, Literary Review