Spencer on Snooker

Spencer on Snooker – John Spencer

When I was about 14 my Dad brought a book home from the local library. It was Spencer on Snooker, co-written by the legendary Clive Everton.

I spent hours reading and re-reading this book. Yes I could read before I was five. So behave. I had a small snooker table in my room and I tried out much if what I read. It was a joy.

John Spencer was from just over the Pennines and had been World Snooker Champion twice. So i began to follow his career.

Then I discovered his cue was broken in a car accident. The cue I had read about in his book. The one he found floating in a basement after National Service. That he won two World Championships with. The seed was sown right there, regarding the magic of cues.

He went on to select an Adam cue. In tribute to him. I have gathered a few together myself.

I remember a story about a certain Mr O’Kane the famous New Zealand Snooker professional. As a youngster he borrowed this book so often from his local library that they eventually gave it to him.

A future collectors item, John Spencer’s book is excellent both instructionally and for giving autobiographical insight.

This book was reprinted in 1986 in paperback and still sits on many second-hand bookshelves waiting to be discovered.

David Smith
Cues n Views