- Hardcover: 374 pages
- Publisher: Index Books Ltd.; Unabridged edition (13 Sep 2001)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0091880939
- ISBN-13: 978-0091880934
- Product Dimensions: 23.6 x 14.7 x 3.6 cm
- Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 376,523 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
Blessed - The Autobiography
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Product Description
Amazon.co.uk Review
The question of how a man could have everything and be systematically destroyed by alcoholism is at the heart of George Best's unflinching autobiography Blessed. In 1990, Best--arguably the most extravagantly talented footballer the UK has ever produced; certainly domestic football's first and brightest superstar--irrevocably redefined himself in the public's mind as a bloated, foul-mouthed, pitiful drunk with that appearance on the prime-time TV chat show Wogan.
The pictures tell at least part of the story. The young Beatle-haired Best of the 1960s at Manchester United; the scrawny boy from Northern Ireland, breathtakingly audacious with the ball at his feet, dismantling Europe's finest defences. The ever-more chubby, bearded Best of the 1970s, after his shock "retirement" at 26, exercising his increasingly elusive talent with second-rate teams. The Best of today: mottled, grey, eyes now tinted with jaundice and seemingly sharing the general sense of surprise that he's still here at all.
Now Best is able to candidly reflect on the story of his rise and fall. He revels in the highs, which were spectacular: a brilliant career with Man Utd, including a European Cup medal; a media darling, with a Miss World or two on his arm. But he also calmly recounts the lows: a litany of professional and domestic woe, including that public humiliation on Wogan.
The worst thing was that I thought I'd got away with it, that though I might have been a bit tipsy, I had come across as reasonably coherent. But when I saw the recording the following day, it was obvious that I had been completely out of it ... it's awful to see yourself coming across as some mumbling drunk.
Now of course Best makes his living with after-dinner speaking and TV punditry, and--despite the co-author here--Blessed reveals an easy authority with words which turns a compelling testimony into a funny, moving and deeply personal story. This is extra-time for Best, an astonishing sporting talent that was snuffed out. If he survives, with the spirit that imbues this book intact, he may yet astonish us again. --Alex Hankin
Review
'It all went wrong with football, the thing I loved most of all and from there my life slowly fell apart' George Best; 'The one tragedy George Best has to confront is that he never knew how good he could have been' Michael Parkinson
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
32 of 33 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Very rarely do I find a book which I can't put down. From the opening chapter which begins by dealing with George's drinking problems I was hooked to it. Very witty; honest and poignant. George Best has always been one of my footballing heroes, this book just adds to that. Highly recommended.
13 of 13 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
"How did one of the greatest footballers who graced the game, lose it all?". A question asked and answer by many people, but only one man can really answer that question. "Bestie" talks about how a shy young lad from Ireland, with a great talent for football, is more known for his off field activities. This book is not about George Best's football career, is it about the life of the man, and how he was ruled by the bottle. From his days kicking the ball in the back streets of Belfast, to the night of glory at Wembley in '68, thought to the prison cell and his fight for life, it is all here in an honest accent. It is a great read for all, a wonderful account about the drive of the man, but it was not a ball!
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
A thoroughly good read where George has left no stone unturned, he tackled each part of his life story with honesty, has admitted that he is an alcoholic and finally prepared himself for major surgery. I'm sure there are many other tales to tell and maybe when he is fit again we will get a second helping.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Hmm not convinced by this spoilt & pampered man
I read this book with interest. George was clearly a very skilled footballer who was aptly rewarded for his talent. Read more
Published 21 days ago by Chrissie
blessed the autobiography
Blessed - The Autobiographywould have been okay if the right product was sent .did not bother to send as it was only a penney
Published 6 months ago by laylanie1977
Blessed George Best
Bought for my son, as one he was half way reading got damaged. He is enjoying reading it very much, likes its an autobiography and big fan of Man U.
Published 8 months ago by Linda
George is the Best
TLDR.. I don't think that George best is technically the best George. I came to this conclusion when my friend Sebastian introduced me to his friend George. Read more
Published 15 months ago by Moe Leicester
The snobbery of James Harrison's review
Mr. James Harrison, you come across as a great snob! Sounds like you had a dislike for the man before you read the book. Did you really epect the book to read like a phd thesis? Read more
Published on 6 Dec 2009 by A. Barlow
Worth it just for the stories
Some may be disgusted by how George Best lived his life, particular after his playing career was over, but that doesn't mean this is a bad book. Read more
Published on 9 Nov 2009 by Mike Perk
The Best Of The Best
A brilliant book about the GREATEST FOOTBALLER OF ALL-TIME.
I grew up idolising Georgie and as a kid and schoolboy footballer I had two nicknames THE WHITE PELE and Cockney... Read more
I grew up idolising Georgie and as a kid and schoolboy footballer I had two nicknames THE WHITE PELE and Cockney... Read more
Published on 3 Feb 2009 by Mr. G. Johnson
one of the greatest speaks
blessed is a raw and humourous look at the life of a man who lived his life on full throttle,and ended up dead before his time as a result and these are the words of one george... Read more
Published on 29 Nov 2006 by sean paul mccann
He was not "Blessed" with literary talent.
I was bought this book as a gift. I found the language typical of a man who left school early to follow his sport, and one who had no care for anything but entertaining himself. Read more
Published on 20 Jun 2006 by James Harrison
Simply the Best
There are hardly any good books about football. Why else is 'Fever Pitch' still regarded as one of the best?! Read more
Published on 15 Nov 2004 by Christian Joericke
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