Sports, Games & Hobbies

Fast, violent and with a passionately political history, hockey is the sport that defines Canada. The sports columnist tells us how this came to be, and why hockey, still a thrilling spectacle, has also become more dangerous to play. He picks the best books on ice hockey.

The former international cricketer, author of a book on luck, and England's national selector tells us about the chance happenings that have helped shape his life, for better or worse

Monty Don OBE, Britain's most loved gardener and lead presenter of Gardeners World, discusses his favourite books on gardening including one he describes as "the best gardening book ever written." This is a  strong endorsement, given that his own gardening library extends to over three thousand books.

Trees are the backbone of any garden, says award-winning garden designer, Arabella Lennox-Boyd. She recommends some great books to get you thinking about garden design.

Gardening expert Helen Dillon recommends five books that have influenced her, from 300-year old gardening tips to the difficulty of describing flowers

The President Emeritus of The New York Botanical Garden in the Bronx, New York tells us about the books that all aspiring gardeners should have on their bookshelves, from reference works to the most fun guide to making the best of your garden

The Sports Illustrated columnist says the best sports books tell human stories – and tells us why nostalgia is intrinsic to baseball

John Thorn, the official historian for Major League Baseball, explains how America's national pastime has been culturally transformative, even radicalising. He recommends the best books on baseball.

Rugby fanatic Richard Beard explains the difference between rugby league and rugby union – and says the aggression you need for the game doesn’t always translate well into life

What are the best books about cricket? In 2011 Test Match Special's Daniel Norcross gave an interview about his favourite books on cricket. At the time, he was running an irreverent, uncensored and partial cricket commentary service, Test Match Sofa.