These diaries reflect the many-faceted nature of Arlott's public and personal life: his work on television and radio with programmes such as My Word, Guilty Party and Any Questions? of which he was a founder member; his extensive coverage of cricket and also football at both league and international level; his itinerary for lectures and after-dinner speaking; his attendance as candidate at Liberal Party functions in the aftermath of the 1955 General Election and surrounding that of 1959; his enthusiasm as a collector of, among much else, pictures, pottery and books; and, of course, his family and friendships.

The single words and elliptical phrases in the diaries cover the most turbulent decade of John Arlott's life and the handwriting mirrors his emotions of the moment; separation and divorce from his first wife, the death of his father and the tragic road accident which killed his eldest son. There was also much happiness, re-marriage, a move back to his beloved Hampshire, get-togethers with poetic mentors such as Andrew Young and John Betjeman, contact with long-time friend Kingsley Amis, Masters' Club luncheons in honour of his cricketing idol Jack Hobbs, meetings with historic figures C. B. Fry and 'Plum" Warner and "glass in hand round the table" occasions with local chums revealing Arlott's love of company.