100 Years of Football: The Fifa Centennial Book [Hardcover]

'Intelligent texts and a wealth of period photographs combine in a survey of the game's social origins, a global evolution, that might interest non-supporters too. Meanwhile the fan in the stands can enjoy snippets contributed by idols such as Pele, Platini, Bobby Charlton and Cruyff...' (THE INDEPENDENT )

'...a wonderful pictorial history...' (THE GUARDIAN )

From ancient ball games, which were the direct ancestors of the modern game, via the establishment of official rules in a London pub in 1863 to the present day, this comprehensive book celebrates the richness, diversity and extraordinary history of association football. The laws of the game, styles of play, stadia, media, money and politics are all discussed in this wide-ranging and fascinating study of the noble game. Fully illustrated throughout with a large number of rare and unusual images of players, fans, venues, historical occasions and memorabilia. Complete with special interviews with a number of the game's top personalities, past and present, including Pele, Maradona and Beckenbauer.

Pierre Lanfranchi is research professor in history at De Montfort University, Leicester, and has written extensively about football. Christiane Eisenberg is professor of British history at the Humboldt University in Berlin where her work focuses on the cultural and social history of sport. Tony Mason is research professor in history at De Montfort University, Leicester, where his work is internationally regarded as pioneering research on the social history of football. Alfred Wahl is professor of contemporary history at the University of Metz where he specialises in the history of football Christiane Eisenberg is professor of British history at the Humboldt University in Berlin where her work focuses on the cultural and social history of sport. Tony Mason is research professor in history at De Montfort University, Leicester, where his work is internationally regarded as pioneering research on the social history of football. Alfred Wahl is professor of contemporary history at the University of Metz where he specialises in the history of football