DOUBLE DIAMOND DARTS ANNUAL 1984/85 by Marcus Robertson
Hale Books 1984
Review by Andy Fairclough
This is without doubt the best darts book about the golden age of televised darts in the 1980s. In fact its one of the very best darts books ever published in my opinion.
The author gives a lively yet factual run through of all the major tournaments from the 1983/4 season from the British Professional, to the Nations Cup, to the World Championship. Each tournament is covered in detail and paints a great picture of the players, the atmosphere, the tensions and the television coverage. It is remarkable just how many tournaments received TV coverage during that season.
Quite a lot of focus is given to Keith Deller, the 1983 World Champion as this was obviously the year following his dramatic win. Lots of the other stars of the day are featured and had a good year including Jocky Wilson, Eric Bristow, Bobby George, Dave Whitcombe and John Lowe.
There is also the clocking up of a major win for a rising star of the time, a certain Bob Anderson who almost had his first televised win by taking the British Gold Cup. I say almost because the final was due to be televised but this was scuppered by a TV technicians strike.
With a substantial feature on Ladies Darts as well, the book proves that there was indeed life in the Ladies game before the coming of all conquering Trina Gulliver.
It may be a tricky book to find but believe me its worth the effort. Just a shame it was a one off.