I am delighted to read this book by M.C.C. member and now Tour Guide, Steven Miell, with its history of memorials dotted around the world's famous ground. As a fellow member, reading this excellent book also reminds me of this week's forthcoming Test which I am looking forward to - and there is a reminder too that there are places which I now need to explore a little deeper...

First of all, may I say that Amberley have again produced another delightful and well-presented book which is lavishly illustrated. The first Foreword, written by Neil Robinson, Head of Heritage and Culture at Marylebone Cricket Club, is generous and astute, something which does not remotely surprise me knowing Neil well.

Oh dear, my world came tumbling down when reading in Steven's introduction that he had avoided some of the obvious items which, well, were not quite as obvious to me and I must pay the Museum a visit this week, shall we say. No, it is not to see the Ashes Urn.

I am pleased to say that many are familiar to me but there are nonetheless some which I will be looking out for during intervals. Some of the memorials relate to the earlier grounds, one just a short walk from the current ground.

Memorials chosen come in the form of gates; busts; rolls of honour; a tree; the famous but unfortunate sparrow; tablets; the comparatively recent Father Time Wall and the well-known weathervane. Steven's book shows the depth and wealth of history available, in the most part, to spectators and certainly members.

Every memorial contains a thorough write-up and background so the book naturally and unsurprisingly acts as a comprehensive guide to the ground. Steven also gives further insights which he has doubtless picked up from taking tours. Last year, Lord's offered a day of ground tours, an opportunity which I took up and found excellent visiting hitherto places not usually accessible, even to members. I would greatly encourage anyone interested in the history of this famous ground to book themselves on a tour and who knows? Maybe Steven himself will enlighten the visitor in the same way as his book undoubtedly will also.