Customer Reviews
A marathon, not a sprint. But I'm over the moon, Brian - By: chris widgery, 19 Nov 2008 
First things first, this is a massive book. 978 pages long(including index), it weighs about half a hundredweight. But it does precisely what it says on the tin - it is a global history of the global sport. It starts off exploring the roots of the game, how different versions developed & eventually coalesced into the sport we know today. How the sport took off & developedin each continent, how tactics & cultures developed, the impacts of television, sponsorship & the global media environment. It ends up at the 2006 world cup, as billions of people prepare to watch, the game having shrunk the world to one set of fans.
It's very thorough, very detailed. It puts football into an historical context - showing how it can both respond to & lead wider & greater events. Crucially, it's also very very readable. It doesn't get boring (unless you don't like football, of course. In that case, it must be one of the dullest books imaginable) at all & is all very easily digested. You can readin long sittings or dipin & out.
Highly recommended. If you have strong enough wrists.
essential reading - By: Duncan C. Mcphie, 04 Jan 2008 This book is a mine of information A passionate social political economic history of world football. Want to know why this game is the 'world game'? read this book. 'Pele the violin. De Stefano the Orchestra' Full of great quotes
