The Glorious World Cup: A Fanatic's Guide
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Book Overview
Read Alan Black and David Henry Sterry's posts on the Penguin Blog. A guide to the biggest sporting event in the world-for those who like their soccer with a side of kick-ass. The teams, the fans, the goals, the saves, the divas, the divers, the myths, the madness-they're all part of the world-wide spectacle that is soccer's ultimate tournament, and they're all here in this turbocharged guide. Packed with trivia, tall tales, stats, quizzes, and photos, The Glorious World Cup gives readers: -Famous player profiles -Villains, heroes, hooligans, and hard men -On-field glory and off-field indiscretions -Underdogs, overachievers, maniacs, and miracles -Commentary from famous fans-including Irvine Welsh, Po Bronson, and Simon Kuper -A look back at the greatest World Cup finals
Format:Paperback
Language:English
ISBN:B00CF5KWZG
ISBN13:9780451230201
Release Date:May 2010
Publisher:Berkley / Nal
Length:144 Pages
Weight:0.30 lbs.
Dimensions:0.4" x 5.5" x 8.2"
Age Range:18 years and up
Grade Range:Postsecondary and higher
Customer Reviews
5 ratings
THE MOST IMPORTANT GAME IN THE WORLD
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 14 years ago
Hilarious, insightful, an examination of why this is the most important game on the planet. A joyful celebration of the random acts of madness, tragedy, and triumph that can happen when 22 people get together and kick a football around. Wicked sharp writing, can't recommend it highly enough!
The Glorious World Cup is a winner!
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 14 years ago
Knowing little about Soccer, I picked up this eye catching book at a friends house. Having read Sterrys work before I was curious. I wasn't disappointed. This book is full of humor, facts I have no clue how he found, bios and strange trivia that I try hard to remember at gatherings to appear smart. I loved this book so much I am now waiting for two copies to arrive for family members in London who take this game extremely seriously. A perfect, clever, funny jem of a book for die hard fans and people who know nothing about soccer, but want to be entertained.
Great
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 14 years ago
This book stands out from the pack of statistics-laden competition. Guest authors, illustrations and behind the scenes information about the players, teams and location that you won't find anywhere else. Read this book before the World Cup and keep it by your side once the games begin. You'll see the whole thing through a new, clearer lens.
FOR ANYONE YOU KNOW WHO LOVES SOCCER
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 14 years ago
My husband is a soccer nut, as are a number of my nieces and nephews. I bought this book first for my husband who devoured it in one sitting and was laughing out loud. Because he liked it so much, we then bought copies for my nieces and nephews as well as for two old friends who were in an adult soccer league with my husband. It's a great inexpensive gift if you, like me, have soccer fanatics in your life.
Soccer Never Made Me Laugh So Hard
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 14 years ago
I admit it, I'm technically a soccer mom who wanted to be a professional player as a kid, but I never really followed the sport as an adult. This book is changing that and making me anxious to watch the World Cup. The interesting bios, little-known histories and kooky trivial tidbits have reeled me in and given the game such a human slant. (I always wondered what was going on with the Zidane head-butt, not that I actually saw the game...) Plus, this has got to be the funniest sports book out there and the wittiness of the two authors works seamlessly together. I also really enjoyed Irvine Welsh's essay, as well as Po Bronson's. (who caught my attention after I read Nurture Shock, his child development book having nothing to do with soccer.) This is a surprisingly fun book, both for people who are die-hard soccer fans and for those who want to occasionally converse with those who are!
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