When originally published this was described as an exceptional first novel because the characters are concerned with expressing themselves in physical rather than emotional or intellectual terms. The world in which the story is set is that of professional Rugby League in a Northern English industrial city, and spans several years in the life of narrator Arthur Machin. Gritty, powerful, it remains one of the great novels of the 20th century and possibly the best sporting novel ever.

First edition, first impression; 8vo; faint offsetting to endpapers, else unmarked internally; publisher's grey boards, gilt lettering to spine, corners slightly bumped, with the unclipped pictorial dust-jacket, spine and extremities slightly tanned, mild edge-wear, else very good.