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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

Sunday Times
'Brilliantly Raw'

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11 Reviews 5 star:  (5) 4 star:  (3) 3 star:    (0) 2 star:    (0) 1 star:  (3)           Average Customer Review (11 customer reviews)		Share your thoughts with other customers:
Most Helpful Customer Reviews   28 of 29 people found the following review helpful: Honest and open account of George's life, 23 Sep 2001 By  Peter G Warner (Surbiton, Surrey United Kingdom) - See all my reviews 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.  Comment | Permalink | Was this review helpful to you? (Report this)   10 of 10 people found the following review helpful: A honest view about one of the greatest by himself., 30 Nov 2001 By A Customer "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!  Comment | Permalink | Was this review helpful to you? (Report this)   5 of 5 people found the following review helpful: Self pity ? But of course, he was an alcoholic !, 19 Sep 2007 By  Magic Rat "Magic Rat" (uk) - See all my reviews    This review is from: Blessed: The Autobiography (Paperback) Ignore reviews slating this book as "self-pitying" and "badly written" and so on. Firstly, George Best was an alcoholic. Self-pity comes with the territory. Secondly, this is an account of the life of an ordinary man blessed with an extraordinary sporting talent. It is not Nick Hornby's latest smug outpouring. I and many others do not expect it to be "well-written". It is a tale told from the bar stool. Many sports biographies are tedious, crammed full to the brim with "we had to beat Everton to win the league and I scored twice. Next up was Aston Villa at home.." and so on. Of course there are recollections of certain matches but there are also memories of night clubs, business ventures, managers, girls and boozers which is what makes it interesting. Best does not come across as a particularly sympathetic character. He often seems ignorant, selfish and blind to his own faults. However, he does manage to admit to these faults which lifts his blindness considerably and makes him moe attractive because of it. Maybe that was why, infuriating though he was, so many people loved him so dearly. A good beach read or for on the train. Not taxing, but interesting.  Comment | Permalink | Was this review helpful to you? (Report this) › See all 11 customer reviews...		Most Recent Customer Reviews Self-pitying twoddle I thought I had a low opinion of George Best before reading this book. This self-pitying account of his life just backs up what I always thought. Read more Published 17 months ago by L. C. Picker 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 17 months ago 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 23 months ago 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 16 Nov 2004 by Christian Joericke Time to Reflect 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... Read more Published on 17 Dec 2002 by Mrs K Jarvis The highs and lows of a genius is told in this book This book was a great read and i