The Kingfisher Soccer Encyclopedia: Euro 2024 edition with FREE poster (Kingfisher Encyclopedias) - Hardcover

Gifford, Clive

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0753459280 ISBN 13: 9780753459287

Publisher: Kingfisher, 2006

Synopsis

From the first soccer games to today's money-spinning global industry, thebook takes readers to the heart of a sport that is played and watched by millions of people around the world. It explains the key rules, skills, and tactics and examines issues in and around the game--supporters, the media, and the demands of being a professional player. With profiles of the world's greatest teams and soccer's legendary players, from Alfredo di Stefano to Mia Hamm, every aspect of this world-class sport is covered comprehensively. Stunning 3-D digital artwork recreates some of the most famous moves and greatest goals in soccer history, while dramatic full-spread photographs capture the game's most memorable moments.

About this title

About the Author:

Clive Gifford is an award-winning author of more than fifty books on the subjects of sports and soccer. His previous titles for Kingfisher include The Kingfisher Soccer Encyclopedia, Soccer Skills, Summer Olympics, and Soccer.

From Booklist:

Gr. 6 and up. This deceptively slim volume packs a considerable amount of information. The introduction traces the genesis of kicking games through rudimentary forms of soccer into current professional and Olympic competitions. Subsequent chapters address basic rules, physical tactics and skills, brief biographies of legendary players, profiles of well-known coaches and coaching strategies, summaries and win-loss records of national and club teams, and descriptions of major international competitions. The chapter "Soccer Fortunes" looks at public and commercial aspects of the game, such as the typical career path and subsequent demands of becoming a professional athlete, technical aspects of playing fields and stadiums, club politics and salaries, and fans as well as cheating scandals, stadium riots, and other "soccer nightmares." A final reference section provides facts and figures on soccer in the U.S. as well as recommended Web sites, books, and magazines; a glossary; and an index. Information is current through 2004.

Articles are divided into subsections that span two-page spreads. Subtitles, brief paragraphs, and fact boxes offering trivia, tables of statistics, diagrams, and more accompany numerous photos, primarily in color. Images spill across pages in a graphic-intense, dynamic presentation. An additional appealing feature is that coverage of women's teams and players is integrated throughout and not relegated to separate chapters or footnote status.

Keir Radnedge has authored two recent resources intended for adults: The Ultimate Encyclopedia of Soccer (Carleton Books, 2002) and The Complete Encyclopedia of Soccer (Carleton Books, 2004). This current offering is aimed at a younger audience but will appeal to fans of all ages. The glossy cover will attract browsers, and the international coverage will appeal to a wide audience. Public libraries, middle schools, and high schools may want to consider offering both circulating and reference copies of this reasonably priced, accessible overview. Kathleen McBroom
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

About this edition

• Publisher: Kingfisher
• Publication date: 2006
• ISBN 10: 0753459280
• ISBN 13: 9780753459287
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 144