Soccer at War 1939-45: The Complete Record of British Football and Footballers During the Second World War - Hardcover

Rollin, Jack

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9780755314317: Soccer at War 1939-45: The Complete Record of British Football and Footballers During the Second World War
Hardcover
ISBN 10: 075531431X ISBN 13: 9780755314317
Publisher: Headline Book Publishing, 2005

Synopsis

Soccer at War is the compelling account of the national game during this defining moment in history. Rollin reveals how it was that football not only continued to be played and watched, but also grew in popularity and stature. He explains how, while the country fought for freedom, the sport offered morale-boosting appeal to war workers, servicemen, and civilians alike. The book tells of the hundreds of professional footballers who joined up, those who became heroes, and those who did not come back, the enthusiasts who administered the game in their spare time, and the players who turned out for thirty bob a week. The servicemen who went AWOL to play and others who hitch-hiked just to get to a game also find their place in the story, along with the record-breaking goalscoring achievements. Looking further afield to occupied Europe, Soccer at War also exposes the role of football in Hitler's regime.

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About the Author

Jack Rollin was soccer columnist for the Sunday Telegraph for 21 years. Born in London in 1932, his most vivid recollections of the war are of being bombed out twice, then of being evacuated to Devon - only to be machine-gunned on the beach by a stray enemy plane. He is co-editor of SKY SPORTS FOOTBALL YEARBOOK and PLAYFAIR FOOTBALL ANNUAL with his daughter, Glenda.

Review

Of all the books I have read on football, none have given me more pleasure than 'Soccer at War'. -- Stan Cullis, Wolves and England While it will be compulsive reading for nostalgia buffs, those too young to remember gasmasks and ration books should still find the work a rewarding experience. -- David Lacey, Guardian A valuable social history as well as an invaluable work of soccer reference. -- Patrick Collins, Mail on Sunday The definitive record of football amidst the blackouts and skirmishes engineered by Adolf Hitler. -- John Richardson, Newcastle Journal Any football fan who lived through that historic period will surely derive great pleasure from this nostalgic story. -- Donald Saunders, The Daily Telegraph A buff's buff book. -- Simon Barnes, The Times

"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.

Publisher
Headline Book Publishing
Publication date
2005
Language
English
ISBN 10 
075531431X
ISBN 13 
9780755314317
Binding
Hardcover
Edition number
2
Number of pages
464
Rating
  • 3.50 out of 5 stars
    10 ratings by Goodreads