Arthur J Gould [is] without question the greatest three-quarter back Wales have ever boasted … so masterly is his knowledge of every point of the game, and so cool and collected are his movements that really smart players are tricked so effectively as to appear little better than beginners … Possessed of a charming personality, he is a general favourite wherever he goes, and it will perhaps be not too much to say that he is worshipped at home … I consider him to be one of the greatest players in the position we have ever seen.
“An Old Sportsman”, Hull Daily News, 7 March 1896

Arthur Gould is the definitive biography of the record-breaking Welsh international player who is widely acknowledged as the first superstar of rugby.

‘Monkey’ Gould, who played the majority of his club rugby for Newport RFC - and also played for Richmond, London Welsh, Hamposhire and Middlesex - won a then-record 27 Welsh caps; 25 of which were at centre (a record only bettered by Steve Fenwick in 1980); and captained his country 18 times (a record only beaten in 1994 by Ieuan Evans); and, such was his fame and renown, that upon his tragic and early death in 1919, aged just 54, his funeral in Newport was reported as the largest Wales had ever seen.

Comprehensively researched and written by acclaimed rugby historian, Gwyn Prescott, with the full support and encouragement of the Gould family, Arthur Gould is illustrated with over 100 photographs and is a masterpiece that will be enjoyed by all who love rugby and treasure its sporting and cultural heritage.