Book Reviews

"Marcelo Bielsa vs the Damned United" by Rocco Dean offers a compelling exploration of Leeds United's triumphant 2019/20 season, providing a fresh perspective on the club's journey to promotion. Dean, once again, demonstrates his storytelling prowess by seamlessly intertwining personal insights with the broader narrative of the team's success.

"More Noble than War: A Soccer History of Israel-Palestine" by Nicholas Blincoe is a thought-provoking exploration of the complex Israel-Palestine conflict through the lens of football. Blincoe skillfully navigates the intricacies of this challenging subject matter, providing an informative and accessible entry point for readers unfamiliar with the historical and political context.

"The Working Hands of a Goddess" by Tom Underhill is an insightful journey through the transformative period of Gian Piero Gasperini's tenure at Atalanta, and it stands out as a testament to the author's meticulous research and keen understanding of the club. From the moment Gasperini assumed his role in 2016, the narrative skillfully captures the nuanced dynamics that reshaped Atalanta's trajectory.

"Emancipation for Goalposts" by Chris Etchingham stands as a commendable addition to football literature, characterized by meticulous research and a narrative approach that aligns seamlessly with the essence of compelling sports storytelling. The author's sentiment behind the book resonates with what I consider essential in football literature, making this work a noteworthy contribution to the genre.

"The Greatest Comeback" by David Bolchover is nothing short of a literary triumph. This long-awaited read exceeded my already high expectations, solidifying its reputation as a tour de force in football literature. Beyond the realms of sport, this biography of Béla Guttmann transcends the pitch, offering a narrative of staggering highs and devastating lows.

 "The Forgotten Cup: History of the Mitropa Cup" by Jo Araf is a masterful exploration of a footballing relic, skillfully brought to life by an author with a proven track record in delivering compelling sports narratives. As a fan of Araf's earlier work, "Generazione Wunderteam," I was pleased to find a seamless overlap of protagonists, adding depth and continuity to the historical football landscape. 

 "An Armchair Fan's Guide to the Qatar World Cup" by Jon Berry provides a comprehensive and thought-provoking look at the journey of Qatar in hosting the World Cup. Berry's meticulous research is evident in his detailed exploration of how Qatar was awarded the tournament and the nation's sporting progression leading up to the event. 

 "Phenomenon: The Incredible Career of Brazil’s Ronaldo" by Daniel Williamson is a meticulously crafted tribute to one of football's true legends. The book's exceptional formatting is a testament to the author's keen understanding of Ronaldo's complex and illustrious career.  

 "The Conquerors" by Dev Bajwa is a masterfully crafted narrative that takes readers on an unforgettable journey through the remarkable trajectory of one of football's most iconic teams. The book's impeccable formatting stands out as a testament to the author's keen storytelling prowess. Bajwa's skillful selection of pivotal moments and insightful details demonstrates a profound understanding of what truly matters in bringing this story to life. 

"Fear and Loathing at Goodison Park" by Lou Reed Foster offers a captivating and distinctive perspective on the David Moyes era at Everton, making it a remarkable addition to football literature. Focusing on Moyes' time at the club from 2002 to 2013, the book delves deep into the intricacies and intriguing talking points that characterized this significant period in Everton's history.

"Golden Generations: The Story of the 2006 FIFA Men's World Cup" by Michael Gallwey is a captivating journey that takes readers back in time to relive the magic of one of the most cherished World Cups, even if it might be an unpopular sentiment. The book's well-structured chapters skillfully present a detailed account of each match in the group stage and the nail-biting knockout stages, making it an ideal pick for those seeking to rekindle memories of specific moments that defined the tournament.

"Glorious Reinvention: The Rebirth of Ajax Amsterdam" by Karan Tejwani is a triumphant tale that brilliantly captures the highs and lows of Ajax's journey in the 21st century. With an eloquent narrative, the book explores the club's remarkable reinvention, leading them to soar to great heights and experience heart-wrenching near-misses on the European stage.

"Spirit of '58: The Incredible Untold Story of Northern Ireland's Greatest Football Team" by Evan Marshall is a triumphant celebration of Northern Ireland's footballing golden age. With exceptional skill and passion, Marshall brings to life the significance of Peter Doherty's arrival as manager, transforming an insignificant squad of lads into a competitive force that made it to the World Cup quarter-finals, narrowly losing to the formidable France.

"Fields of Wonder: The Incredible Story of Northern Ireland's Journey to the 1982 World Cup" by Evan Marshall is a captivating and inspiring account that delves into the extraordinary journey of Northern Ireland's national football team during the 1982 World Cup. Marshall's book takes readers on an emotional rollercoaster, beautifully capturing the essence of this remarkable underdog story.

"St. Pauli: Another Football is Possible" by Carles Viñas and Natxo Parra is a powerful and dynamic exploration of the renowned St. Pauli football club and its groundbreaking alternative culture. Together, Viñas and Parra deliver a comprehensive and engaging account that dives deep into the club's essence and its significant impact on the world of football.

"Flamengo: Winning all the Cups" by Stephen Brandt is an exceptional book that fills a significant void in English literature on Brazilian club football. Stephen's work grants English readers access to the vibrant world of Brazilian club football, offering an immersive and informative experience like few others before him, and what better club than Flamengo?

"New Kids in the World Cup" is a well-written and compelling account of the United States' performances leading up to and during the 1990 World Cup. Adam Elder's storytelling prowess, combined with his ability to convey the historical significance of the team's achievements, makes for a captivating read.

"From Football to Soccer" by Brian D. Bunk is an insightful and comprehensive exploration into the origins of the beautiful game in the United States. The book focuses on the social impact of the sport and it is clear Bunk values the the idea that the early history of this sport in the United States is an important story to tell in the wider scope of the sport.

"Big Boots to Fill" by David Nolan takes football enthusiasts on a captivating journey through the lives and careers of some of Argentina's greatest football players. This book is a delightful treat, as it brings back cherished memories while exploring the varied experiences of players who either fulfilled the immense expectations placed upon them or fell short.

"Gods of Soccer" by Roger Bennett, Michael Davies & Miranda Davis is an extraordinary tribute to the 100 greatest players in football history. This captivating book combines compelling narratives, stunning artwork, and an inclusive perspective that highlights women's players, making it a must-read for football enthusiasts.

 In "The O'Leary Years" by Rocco Dean, the reader is taken down memory lane reliving the exciting times of David O'Leary's tenure as Leeds Manager between 1998-2002. As the subtitle "Football's Greatest Boom and Bust" suggests, Leeds were near the pinnacle of world football before finding themselves in the English Championship just a few short years later.

 In "Brazil 1970: How the Greatest Team of All Time Won the World Cup," Sam Kunti delivers a captivating account of the Brazilian national football team's remarkable triumph in the 1970 FIFA World Cup. With meticulous research and a genuine love for the sport, Kunti provides readers with an in-depth exploration of the team's journey, tactics, and the players who created history. 

 "Fear and Loathing at Goodison Park" is a book that takes an in-depth look at the tumultuous and often controversial tenure of David Moyes as the manager of Everton FC. Written by Louis Foster, a journalist and Everton fan, the book examines the highs and lows of Moyes's 11 years in charge of the club and the impact that he had on the team, the fans, and the broader football world. 

 In "Danish Dynamite" the authors take readers on a captivating journey through the rise and impact of the Danish national football team during the 1980s. This book, written with passion and meticulous research, explores the unique story of a team that captured the hearts of football fans around the world. 

 "From Beauty to Duty: A Footballing History of Uruguay, 1878-1917" by Martin Da Cruz is an engaging and informative exploration of the origins and development of soccer in Uruguay. The book provides a detailed historical account of the sport's early years in the country, including the various factors that contributed to its growth and popularity. 

"Crossing the Park" is a book that explores the experiences of football players who have played for both Everton and Liverpool football clubs. Peter Kenny Jones, a football journalist with a deep passion for the sport, has written an insightful and fascinating book that examines the stories of these players and the impact their moves have had on both clubs and their fans.