Sunday, October 7, 2012

'Great time with Royal family of Rajpipla State'

Here is what our dear friend Prashant Pandya posted on Facebook after a wonderful lunch together at Goodies, Vadodara, on 4th October 2012 :

Today I had a great time with Shri Indra Vikram Singhji, Shri Indra Vadan Singhji (grandsons of Maharaja Vijaysinhji of erstwhile Princely State of Rajpipla), and Shri Manvendra Singhji (great-grandson of Maharaja Vijaysinhji). Shri Indra Vikram Singhji is a sports writer and author of several books, including a collector's edition 'A Maharaja's Turf' on his grandfather's Epsom Derby 1934 triumph. An article on 'Rajpipla Post' (Postal History of Rajpipla State), which is written by me, is also included in his book 'A Maharaja's Turf'. Shri Indra Vikram Singhji presented this book to me today during our meeting at Baroda. Read more about 'A Maharaja's Turf' :
http://www.bookadda.com/books/maharaja-s-turf-indra-vikram-8190166832-9788190166836



Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Indra Vikram Singh’s books available online on several websites

1.  Listed on junglee.com, Indian arm of amazon.com

(i)  A Maharaja's Turf
ISBN 978-81-901668-3-6
Published by Sporting Links


(ii)  The Big Book of World Cup Cricket
ISBN 978-81-901668-4-3
Published by Sporting Links


(iii)  Don's Century
ISBN 978-81-901668-5-0
Published by Sporting Links



(iv)  Crowning Glory
ISBN 978-81-901668-6-7
Published by Sporting Links


(v)  The Little Big Book of World Cup Cricket
ISBN 978-81-731422-0-8
Published by Media Eight


2.  flipkart.com


3.  crossword.in            

(i)  A Maharaja's Turf

(ii)  The Big Book of World Cup Cricket


6.  nbcindia.com

                     
7.  infibeam.com



8.  homeshop18.com


9.  uread.com


10.  indiaplaza.com


11. jainbookagency.com


12.  amegabooks.com


13.  simplybooks.in


14.  sapnaonline.com


17.  Roger Page Cricket Books, Australia   
10 Ekari Court, Yallambie, Victoria, Australia, 3085. Telephone (03) 94356332

Don's Century
http://www.rpcricketbooks.com/index.php/site-map/december-2012-catalogue/d-biography


18.  Sportskeeds Store
http://store.sportskeeda.com/index.php?route=product/search&filter_name=Indra%20Vikram%20Singh


All books published by Sporting Links are distributed in India by :
Variety Book Depot
First Floor, AVG Bhawan,
Middle Circle, M-3 Connaught Circus,
New Delhi - 110 001.
Telephones + 91 11 23417175, 23412567, 23415030, 23415335.

Sunday, January 1, 2012

Five books by Indra Vikram Singh published in 2011


A Maharaja’s Turf


Collector's edition on the platinum jubilee of the triumph of Maharaja Sir Vijaysinhji of Rajpipla in the Epsom Derby 1934


Published by Sporting Links
ISBN 978-81-901668-3-6, Fully Illustrated, 
Hardback 28 cm x 22.5 cm, 140 Pages 
Price Rupees 1995

The exhilarating triumph of Maharaja Sir Vijaysinhji of Rajpipla in the Epsom Derby of England in 1934, the only Indian owner ever to win the blue riband of the turf in its history dating back to 1780. The dapper Indian prince’s horse Windsor Lad left the hitherto undefeated favourite Colombo trailing in third place in the presence of royalty led by King George V and Queen Mary, and a multitude of an estimated quarter to half a million people on that damp afternoon of 6th June. This extensively researched story written by the Maharaja’s grandson, embellished with rare photographs, captures the era between the two World Wars, of imperial times and a royal lifestyle, also going back centuries into history, connecting the past and the present and depicting the march of time, even as the thrilling race remains the central theme.     


The Big Book of World Cup Cricket

A definitive, fully illustrated collector's edition showcasing all the cricket World Cup tournaments from 1975 to 2007, and previewing the ICC World Cup 2011


Published by Sporting Links
ISBN 978-81-901668-4-3, Fully Illustrated, 
Hardback 22.5 cm x 28 cm, 544 Pages 
Price Rupees 4000

This collector’s edition tells the tale of every cricket World Cup played from 1975 to 2007, and carries a preview of the 2011 tournament. Featured are classic matches, brilliant individual performances, the commercial facet, highlights and sidelights, drama and controversy, and the stars of the biggest event in One-day cricket, encompassed by photographs from the leading lensmen and agencies in the world. The statistics sections comprise a wide range of records, detailed scorecards of every match played, and averages of all the players who appeared in the first nine editions of the World Cup. A handwritten letter from the immortal Sir Donald Bradman received by the author in 1999 completes a treasure that should find a place on the bookshelf of every modern cricket-lover. A special 44-page colour supplement Crowning Glory published at the conclusion of the ICC World Cup 2011 is available complimentary with The Big Book of World Cup Cricket.    


The Little Big Book of World Cup Cricket 

A snapshot of the thrills and the stars, the highlights and the records of every cricket World Cup tournament from 1975 to 2007, with a preview of the ICC World Cup 2011



Published by Media Eight
ISBN 978-81-731422-0-8
Paperback 13 cm x 19.5 cm, 288 Pages
Price Rupees 295

A snapshot of the first nine cricket World Cups played between 1975 and 2007, this economy edition also carries a preview of the 2011 tournament. The book brings forth the thrilling matches, memorable individual performances, the legends of the premier event and the financial aspect. There are detailed batting, bowling and fielding records to keep the statistically inclined engrossed. It is a handy companion for all who have been transfixed by the spectacle of the cricket World Cup.



Don’s Century

Celebrating the life and cricket career of Sir Donald Bradman on his birth centenary, and a panorama of batting greats from the 1860s to present times 


Published by Sporting Links
ISBN 978-81-901668-5-0, Fully Illustrated, 
French Fold 21.5 cm x 28 cm, 188 Pages 
Price Rupees 995

Written in the centenary year of the peerless Don Bradman, the book takes a relook at his cricket career, relives the trial and tribulations of his personal life, and assesses the merits of other great batsmen from the 1860s to the present times. The questions still asked are: how great was Bradman actually, was he just a run-getting machine or was he truly the best there has ever been, have there been other batsmen as good or better than Bradman. Don’s Century analyses Bradman’s batting technique, brings forth his amazing achievements with the willow, aided by comments from the finest writers and players down the ages, supported by comprehensive statistics, and illustrated by classic photographs in sepia brown from the top agencies of the world. The panorama of batting presents many other legends from Grace, Ranji, Trumper and Hobbs to Richards, Tendulkar, Lara and Ponting, and so many more, focussing on their contribution, and in fact tracking the evolution of the game over the last century-and-a-half. The vicissitudes of Bradman’s own life, his persona and quest for excellence, the detractors, friends and family are all featured in this tribute to the unquestioned king of kings of the crease.   


Crowning Glory

Special supplement on India's victory in the ICC World Cup 2011


Published by Sporting Links
ISBN 978-81-901668-6-7, Fully Illustrated, 
Paperback 21.5 cm x 28 cm, 44 Pages
Price Rupees 200

The tenth edition of One-day cricket’s biggest show returned to the sub-continent for the third time. Never had the hosts won on home soil, but in 2011 the favourites India, despite a few stutters, jubilantly lifted the glittering ICC World Cup at Mumbai on 2nd April. This was not only the crowning glory for an Indian team that had striven hard to reach the no. 1 spot in Test cricket the previous year, but also the missing jewel in the amazing career of Sachin Tendulkar. It was a fairy-tale come true, the real significance of which will be understood in the years and decades to follow. Crowning Glory replays the highlights of the ICC World Cup 2011 and its stars, complete with colour photographs and records. This special supplement is also available complimentary with The Big Book of World Cup Cricket (ISBN 978-81-901668-4-3).    


All these books are available in leading bookstores in India, and on several websites. Books published by Sporting Links are distributed in India by Variety Book Depot, Connaught Place, New Delhi. Any queries may be addressed to singh_iv@hotmail.com.

Sunday, December 4, 2011

Don's Century released

Don’s Century
Fully illustrated
188 pages, French fold paperback, 8.5" x 11" (A-4)

Published by Sporting Links
ISBN 978-81-901668-5-0

BIOGRAPHY OF DON BRADMAN 
AND A PANAROMA OF BATTING 
FROM THE 1860s TO THE PRESENT TIMES

‘Don’s Century’ pays tribute to Sir Donald Bradman, the greatest batsman there has ever been, whose birth centenary was celebrated in 2008. The book by Indra Vikram Singh, the only Indian biographer of Bradman, is a celebration of the life and magical willow of The Don, and also of the art of batting and indeed the game of cricket

The 11-chapter book, interspersed with stories and comments from legendary writers and cricketers alike, and extensively researched from scores of old publications, has three sections.

The main segment brings forth Bradman's days at the crease from Bowral to Sydney, on to Lord's and Leeds, back to Adelaide, and finishing at The Oval in 1948. The legend begins with young Don’s rise to the top, his first fifty and hundred in the backwaters of Bowral, the maiden double century against Wingello and triple ton versus Moss Vale, hundred on first-class debut and on to Test cricket. Bradman’s legendary feats in the Test arena are recalled in all their magnificence, the hundreds in his first Test series, the unprecedented and still-unparalleled triumphs of the Ashes tour of 1930, and annihilation of the West Indies and South African teams.

The saga undergoes a dramatic twist with the vicious Bodyline attack that was devised solely to decimate the genius of Bradman. This chapter carries extracts from letters received by the author from England’s Bob Wyatt who was vice captain to Douglas Jardine during this infamous series.

The aftermath of Bodyline, Bradman’s stirring fightbacks on and off the field, how his stirring deeds brought solace to the suffering millions during the Great Depression, and his resilience as captain of Australia are presented lucidly, leading to the sabbatical brought about by the Second World War. The final lap of The Don’s career after the war, the firm hold on the Ashes, his exploits against the first Indian team after the nation’s independence, and finally the 1948 tour of England by his ‘Invincibles’ are described vividly and objectively. The text is supplemented by twenty scorecards detailing Bradman’s finest achievements in the first-class and Test arenas.

A large chapter in the middle is a panorama of batting portraying thirty-four of the best players from W.G. Grace, K.S. Ranjitsinhji, Victor Trumper and Jack Hobbs to Sachin Tendulkar, Brian Lara, Ricky Ponting and Matthew Hayden, for no story of Sir Donald Bradman can be complete without an appraisal of other giants of the crease.

The third and concluding part explores Don Bradman’s personal life and family, his persona and way of life, post-retirement days and role as cricket administrator, trials and tribulations, and the final stretch of one of the most amazing stories ever, of a sporting hero and icon beyond compare. The book carries a handwritten letter from The Don received by the author Indra Vikram Singh in 1999, and an article based on it that he wrote at Bradman’s demise in 2001.

There are nearly 100 classic black & white photographs of Bradman and other greats. A comprehensive statistical section highlighting Bradman’s accomplishments and records sums up the inspirational tale. There is a detailed index that makes the book extremely user-friendly.

Don's Century will be available in leading bookshops in the next few days. The author Indra Vikram Singh can be contacted on email singh_iv@hotmail.com or teddy.rajpipla@gmail.com.

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Comments of famous personalities on the book 'A Maharaja's Turf'





This is what some famous personalities have to say about 'A Maharaja's Turf' :



“A most enjoyable and interesting book, which tells the story of the huge success in European racing of the Maharaja of Rajpipla at a time when he, and several other Indian princes, ranked high on the owners lists.”
…..Lester Piggott, OBE, now 76 years old, one of the greatest jockeys ever, with 4,493 career wins including nine Epsom Derby victories.


“Intriguing, most interesting, it brought back lots of memories.”
…..Sir Peter O’Sullevan, aged 93, often described as ‘the voice of racing’, ‘the most famous commentator of the 20th century’ and ‘the true voice of the sport’.



“The volume brings together an impressive range of primary material on the life and racing interests of Maharaja Vijaysinhji of Rajpipla. Anyone interested in the culture of princely India in the 20th century will find the book a fascinating read and a rich source of information.” 
.....Dr Amin Jaffer, International Director Asian Art, Christie’s, London.


“This is a wonderful record of a unique era.”
.....Brough Scott, UK Sportswriter of the Year 2010.


“Indra Vikram Singh has told an important story well”. 
.....Tim Cox, highly-acclaimed historian of the thoroughbred breed, owner of an extensive library. 

Monday, October 10, 2011

Crowning Glory: Special supplement on India's triumph in the ICC World Cup 2011




Crowning Glory is a special supplement on India's triumph in the ICC World Cup 2011, written, designed and produced by Indra Vikram Singh. The Indian team lifted the One-day cricket World Cup for the second time on 2nd April 2011 at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, crowning a glorious four-year stint in which the inspired outfit won the inaugural ICC World Twenty20 in 2007 and reached the no. 1 spot in Test cricket in 2010 for the first time in its history. This World Cup triumph also crowned the glittering career of the inimitable Sachin Tendulkar who has set lofty benchmarks in Test matches as well as One-day Internationals.

Recounting the story of the 2011 cricket World Cup, Crowning Glory brings forth the hot spots - the highlights of this exhilarating tournament, the legends of the World Cup who sparkled in the event, and the new records that were set up. There are breathtaking photographs that tell a graphic tale, encapsulating another thrilling chapter in India's journey in the world of cricket.

This special supplement will be complimentary with the 544-page collector's edition 'The Big Book of World Cup Cricket' (ISBN 978-81-901668-4-3) by Indra Vikram Singh. The Big Book of World Cup Cricket as well as Crowning Glory (ISBN 978-81-901668-6-7, stand-alone price Rupees 200) are published by Sporting Links.

The author Indra Vikram Singh may be contacted on email singh_iv@hotmail.com or mobile phone no. +91 9899579063.

Saturday, October 1, 2011

A Maharaja's Turf


This is the story of the exhilarating win of Maharaja Sir Vijaysinhji of Rajpipla in the English Derby at Epsom in 1934, the only Indian owner to win the blue riband of the turf in its 231-year history. His horse Windsor Lad triumphed on that cloudy afternoon of 6th June, earning the Maharaja a unique hat-trick of Derby victories as he had already clinched the first Indian Derby at Calcutta in 1919 with his horse Tipster, and the Irish Derby at Curragh in 1926 with Embargo.

It is a fully illustrated book by Maharaja Vijaysinhji’s grandson Indra Vikram Singh, with classic media photographs of the race and from the Rajpipla royal family collection over many generations. The book has been extensively researched from about 80 newspapers and magazines of 1934 and five books, besides websites, and carries articles by Maharaja Vijaysinhji himself. There are news reports, cartoons and caricatures which open out a whole new world to the modern reader. Featured in its pages are King George V and Queen Mary and other members of the British royal family, the Aga Khan, Maharaja Man Singh II of Jaipur and the leading racehorses, owners, trainers and jockeys of the day, among other eminent personalities.

The book affords a look at a bygone era of a princely way of life and the days of the Raj, into the period between the two World Wars, delves into history and links the past with present times. It unfolds the tale of the uncanny prophesy of Gipsy Lee, the several coincidences around the number 13, the defeat of a ‘super-horse’, and the unrelenting quest of a prince to realise his dream, that is bound to keep the reader transfixed.

A Maharaja’s Turf is published by Sporting Links and already available in leading bookshops in India.
ISBN 978-81-901668-3-6, 148 pages, Hardbound, Fully illustrated, MRP Rupees 1995.

The author Indra Vikram Singh may be contacted on email teddy.rajpipla@gmail.com, singh_iv@hotmail.com or mobile phone no. + 91 9899579063.