- Hardcover: 512 pages
- Publisher: Willow; illustrated edition edition (19 Aug 2002)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0007118767
- ISBN-13: 978-0007118762
- Product Dimensions: 23.6 x 16.4 x 5.4 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 241,333 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
Jack and Bobby: A story of brothers in conflict
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Amazon.co.uk Review
The Charlton brothers hold a unique place in the history of football, thanks not least to their roles in England's 1966 World Cup triumph, but, as journalist Leo McKinstry recounts in his biography Jack and Bobby--A Story of Brothers in Conflict, little has previously been written specifically about the pair and their sometimes volatile relationship.
The public image of the two is firmly established. Younger brother Bobby, the dazzling forward with all the natural ability, who would find a place at the heart of the football establishment as roving ambassador for Manchester United and England. And Jack the lad, the gangling hardman defender; a workhorse, and later, voluble, eccentric club and international manager, who could always be counted on for a quote. But while McKinstry reveals there is much truth behind the stereotypes, there has been tension too, with neither brother entirely comfortable with their ascribed roles.
Such reflections are weaved around a traditional biographical narrative, which follows the brothers from childhood through their respective playing careers with Manchester United, and Leeds, their England glory, managerial successes and failures to their current state of semi-retirement, and digs out some illuminating stuff along the way. Neither of the Charltons was prepared to cooperate with this book--but McKinstry has sought out the perspectives of friends, family and colleagues. The story of Bobby's struggles to find a career after playing, where business success outside of football was matched by managerial failure within it, reveals that a man who had so effortlessly drawn on his own sporting talent was all at sea among the less gifted. And Big Jack, the affable saint steering the Irish team out of obscurity, was a somewhat less cuddly character behind the scenes: according to his players, the boss was prone to very human weaknesses, not least an almost incredible "carefulness" with money, a trait that is the catalyst for some of the book's funniest, and oddest moments.
Such humour, enhanced by McKinstry's eye for the tiny details that betray personality and his ability to draw meaningful characterisations from a blend of familiar facts and fresh anecdotal material, lifts the book out of the ordinary. Jack and Bobby succeeds in offering affectionate but convincing portraits of two of English football's most revered and intriguing characters. --Alex Hankin
Review
Traces the parallel lives of Jack and Bobby Charlton from schooldays to the present day.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
This is the story of two of the outstanding personalities of post-war football in the British Isles, the Charlton brothers. Bobby is probably the most famous English player of all time. Jack's success came less easily but his strength of character and sense of humour has made him an enduringly popular figure in the game.
The book traces the brothers' parallel lives and careers from their humble roots in Ashington, Northumberland through to their millionaire status today. Their stellar playing careers are examined with Bobby recognised as a star at Manchester United from his earliest days surviving the Munich air disaster. Jack, on the other hand, spent much of his younger days with Leeds in the second division and did not make his debut for England until he was nearly thirty. They played together in England's World Cup winning team of 1966 and both won League Champioship and FA Cup winners medals with their clubs while Bobby went on to win the European Cup as well. Both international careers ended with the disappointment of elimination from the World Cup in 1970 at the quarter-final stage by West Germany.
Their lives go their separate ways after retirement with Jack, the qualified coach, going on to manage Middlesbrough, Sheffield Wednesday and, briefly, Newcastle before the revelation of his ten years with the Republic of Ireland. Bobby, after an unsuccessful spell as manager of Preston became a successful businessman and - that rarity for an ex-player - football club director (of Manchester United).
However, the book is much more than a catalogue of the brothers' success. At its core is an examination of their different personalities and the frequent tension between them, particularly Jack's displeasure with Bobby's estrangement from their mother.
This is a thoroughly researched, unsentimental, well-written piece of work. A wealth of anecdotes from people who knew the Charltons well add insights. Many are humorous and most are told in the industrial language that is a professional footballer's lingua franca.
An excellent read, especially for us men of a certain age who can remember seeing the Charltons in action on the field.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Two icons for the price of one! This is a well written history of the Charlton brothers. Very well researched and told in an absorbing manner this is peppered with anicdotes and stories from people and players that were there. This is a balanced view that provides the strengths and weaknesses of both Jack and Bobby although on occasion the author does show his dislike of some peripheral characters and individuals which actually adds to the entertainment.
One of the better football biographies I have read, and I've read quite a few!
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Leo McKinstry has written a very well-researched, insightful biography of these very different brothers. Both were and are wonderful footballers and ambassadors for the game, but couldn't be more different as people. Most football biographies are little more than a string of anecdotes, this book gets beneath the skin of the subjects and gives a real insight into their world and what made them the people they are. Highly recommended.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
What a read!!!
This was an excellent read by a first class writer. A lot was disclosed that had not been previously known.
Published 9 months ago by J. Green
A real gem of a book
If you are a football fan, a British Isles social history fan and/or simply a bit of a person prone to enjoying some of the better aspects of nostalgia this is a book that you will... Read more
Published 22 months ago by Andy
Interesting without being rivetting!
I think we can all relate to Jack - the plodder without his brothers unique talents - who by dedication and doing it his way ultimately gets the rewards his efforts deserve -... Read more
Published on 28 Feb 2009 by Michael Bromfield
Brilliant, one of the best football related books I have read.
Jack and Bobby is an excellent book full of insights into the most successful footballing brothers England has ever produced. Read more
Published on 9 April 2008 by HBH
Brothers United
One of the better biographies a pleasure to read.
Well written and befitting of the finest brothers to grace english football.
Well written and befitting of the finest brothers to grace english football.
Published on 5 Aug 2007 by Dk Roche
Canny
An interesting book, if a little to dry in places. Enjoyed reading about Jack more than Bobby. Overall not bad for a book about a pair of Mags!
Published on 15 Mar 2004 by "colinrobson516"
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