The World's Game: A History of Soccer

By Bill J. Murray

Book Overview

Traces the growth of what during pre-industrial times was called the simplest game through its codification in the nineteenth century to the 1994 World Cup. This title weaves the sport's growth into the culture and politics of the countries where it has been taken up.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0252067185
• ISBN13: 9780252067181
• Release Date: January 1998
• Publisher: University of Illinois Press
• Length: 256 Pages
• Weight: 0.96 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

The World's Game: A HISTORY OF SOCCER (Illinois History of Sports)

Very pleased with how fast I recieved the book. It was in wonderful shape

A great overview of soccer history.

Unlike other soccer books which can be narrow in scope and range, Murray's book attempts to take us beyond the borders of South America and Europe and examines soccer all over the world. It also examines political and social affiliations attached to the game. The appendix has major soccer disasters covered,tragedies involving players,major soccer grounds,FIFA membership,Soccer at the Olympic Games before 1930,The Growth of the World Cup,and The Growth of Various Youth Tournaments. It also has a useful Glossary which is a must for any observer, casual or hardcore fan of the game. It would be a good introductory book for someone learning about soccer history because it has plenty of useful anecdotes that illustrates the game's colorful and controversial history.

This book was great!

After having played soccer for years, it was amazing to see how much I didn't now about the history of the sport. Now that my daughter is absorbing everything soccer, this book has helped. She is preparing to do a report on soccer and it's history. I am sure she'll do great!