Robert James Crisp DSO, MC (28 May 1911 – 3 March 1994) was a South African cricketer who played in nine Test matches between 1935 and 1936.

Brazen Chariots covers the period from the summer of 1941 through Crisp's participation in Operation Crusader, up to his wounding.

He was decorated for his bravery during the North African campaign and after being wounded there, nearly died several times from shrapnel in his skull as well as subsequent infection.

[2] He helped found Drum for black South Africans, sailed Greece, farmed minks in England and wrote for the East Anglian Daily Times.

[6] During the 1970s, Crisp was diagnosed with cancer and responded by walking around Crete for a year, supporting himself by selling his account to the Sunday Express.

[6] He remained outspoken on apartheid, advocating "a federation of semi-autonomous states, black and white" and arguing that "nothing else is feasible".