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Amazon.co.uk Review
English writer Phil Ball has put the history of Spanish football into the context of the epomymous Morbo. Hard to pin down in translation (though the author manfully spends a chapter trying to explain the term in its fullest sense), "morbo" encapsulates the fierce rivalry across a club scene fragmented by history, language and politics. The bitter feeling between Barcelona and Real Madrid has, of course, been well-documented elsewhere. Here that famous rivalry is only one component of a landscape of antagonism. In particular, the Basque country in the north-west and Seville in the south both provide breeding grounds for a healthy portion of "morbo", and receive Ball's attention accordingly. The narrative captures the essence of that feeling perfectly, without failing to inform on a historical basis. A splendid chapter traces the ancestry of football in Spain back to the labourers in the English-owned copper mines in Huelva, Andalucia. While Spanish club football has always had its stars, from Di Stefano to Cruyff and Butragueno through to Raul and Luis Figo today, Ball shows that there is a greater force running in its lifeblood. Yet still there remains a paradox; he analyses the historical under-achievement of the Spanish national side in major international tournaments.
The new millennium has seen excellent books focusing on football culture in Holland and France--namely Brilliant Orange and Le Foot. At a time when the stock of Spanish club football has perhaps not been higher since the heyday of Real Madrid in the late 50s and early 60s, Morbo, a triumph in the same vein, thankfully allows us to add Spain to the list. --Trevor Crowe --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
Review
Excellent... Phil Ball has written nothing less than a guide to Spanish life --Simon Kuper, Observer
A fascinating book, full of politics and culture as well as football --Independent
His eye for the thrilling moment is matched only by his succinct manner in telling the tale --World Soccer
A fascinating book, full of politics and culture as well as football --Independent
His eye for the thrilling moment is matched only by his succinct manner in telling the tale --World Soccer
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, simply because it did not just focus entirely on football.
It tells us how various regions within Spain, such as the Basque Country, Andalucia, San Sebastian and Catalan all thrive for a spot in the limelight on, and off the pitch.
Of course, no Spanish history book could avoid the subject of the Civil War and the regime of Franco that soon followed. How he got satisfaction seeing the great Real Madrid side of the 50s make a clean sweep on the European stage is also well covered.
A superb book with many interesting facts and trivia, and great references to Spanish greats such as Zamora, Di Stefano and Butragueno.
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
There really is no shortage of excellent books on football in particular countries -- Brilliant Orange, Futebol, Tor, Calcio -- but Phil Ball's book on Spanish footballing culture is among the best.
From its star-studded league to the biggest derby in the world, Spain is not lacking in interesting stories to tell, and,thankfullly,Ball is a great storyteller who has crafted a wonderfully entertaining book. His insightful stories of, not only the Madrid-Barcelona rivalry, but also of the rivalries in Seville and the Basque country are erudite yet enjoyable to read. Brilliant, don't miss it.
From its star-studded league to the biggest derby in the world, Spain is not lacking in interesting stories to tell, and,thankfullly,Ball is a great storyteller who has crafted a wonderfully entertaining book. His insightful stories of, not only the Madrid-Barcelona rivalry, but also of the rivalries in Seville and the Basque country are erudite yet enjoyable to read. Brilliant, don't miss it.
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Morbo by Phil Ball is the fascinating story of Spanish football. Erudite yet easy to read, full of the quirky characters which inhabit the Spanish game. This book highlights the contradictions and misconceptions which inhabit the heart of the Spanish game and Spanish society. Essential reading for anyone with even the most remote interest in all and any things Spanish.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Morbo - great read
Alwayss enjoyed the author's regular columns on Soccernet and this didn't disappoint. Really well written and insightful book, thoroughly recommeded to anyone interested in... Read more
Published 17 days ago by Gareth Major
Slightly disappointing
I read this book within weeks of reading Graham Hunter's 'Barca: The Making of the Greatest Team in the World', which was possibly a mistake. Read more
Published 23 days ago by Transha
Puzzled
Mr Ball kept me interested in all non Real-Barca related matter,he should have done his homework better on these two Giants of Spanish Football. Read more
Published 8 months ago by Steve
GREAT book
A MUST for any football fan! Especially for followers of Spanish League. Well written and full of interesting stories and facts.
Published 10 months ago by Sara Glowacka
Informative, but flawed
Phil Ball's history of Spanish football outlines many of the key incidents and characters who have shaped the development of Spanish Football, looking at the history of the most... Read more
Published on 13 Dec 2009 by DDH255
An intelligent, well-written football book.....miracle !
Let's face it, football books are generally aimed at complete morons. The premise seems to be that if you're into football then you must be an ill-educated, lager-swilling idiot... Read more
Published on 5 Aug 2009 by J. Powell
The Inside Story
Going Native in Catalonia [Catalunya]
This is without doubt the best book written in English on the subject of Spanish football. Read more
This is without doubt the best book written in English on the subject of Spanish football. Read more
Published on 10 Dec 2008 by Simon Harris
Football & Politics
If you have any interest in Spanish football and the inescapable regionalism that comes with it, you must read this book. Read more
Published on 31 Oct 2008 by 1895
Slightly off the Ball ....
1st off - if the stars above had decimal points I'd award `Morbo' 3.5 or possibly 3.75. The work is probably better than the 3 stars I've given it but certainly not worth 4. Read more
Published on 17 July 2008 by Gary Clarke
Spanish football is unique
More than anywhere, spain and football go hand in hand. Throughout his deep, balanced and entertaining analysis, Phil Ball manages to paint a precise picture of the complex history... Read more
Published on 12 Jan 2006 by David Wall
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