The Cambridge Companion to Football

Cambridge University Press, 7/4/2013
EAN 9781107613690, ISBN10: 1107613698

Paperback, 344 pages, 22.8 x 15.2 x 2 cm
Language: English

Football is the world's most popular sport. It is a cultural phenomenon and a global media spectacle. For its billions of fans, it serves as a common language. But where does its enduring popularity come from? Featuring essays from prominent experts in the field, scholars and journalists, this Companion covers ground seldom attempted in a single volume about football. It examines the game's oft-disputed roots and traces its development through Europe, South America and Africa, analysing whether resistance to the game is finally beginning to erode in China, India and the United States. It dissects the cult of the manager and how David Beckham redefined sporting celebrity. It investigates the game's followers, reporters and writers, as well as its most zealous money makers and powerful administrators. A valuable resource for students, scholars and general readers, The Cambridge Companion to Football is a true and faithful companion for anyone fascinated by the people's game.

List of contributors
List of figures and tables
Chronology
Foreword Sir Michael Parkinson
Introduction Alan Tomlinson
Part I. Foundations
1. Kicking off
the origins of association football Dave Russell
The game-changers
Billy Meredith Huw Richards
2. Uruguay
the first world power Chris Taylor
The game-changers
Henri Delaunay Huw Richards
3. Austria and Hungary
the Danubian School Huw Richards
The game-changers
Alfredo Di Stéfano Rob Steen
4. Italy
football as politics – Mussolini to Berlusconi Paddy Agnew
The game-changers
Pelé Huw Richards
5. Brazil
rhythm and grooves Jim White
The game-changers
Diego Maradona Huw Richards
6. Africa
towards global football citizenship? Paul Darby
The game-changers
Eusébio Rob Steen
Part II. Development
7. Money, money, money
the English Premier League Peter Berlin
The game-changers
Didier Drogba Jed Novick
8. The boss
a very British convention Colin Shindler
The game-changers
Sir Alex Ferguson Will Tidey
9. David Beckham and the celebrity phenomenon Jed Novick
The game-changers
George Best Rob Steen
10. Football and feminism Jean Williams
The game-changers
Mia Hamm Huw Richards
11. Fans
consumers, hooligans and activists John Williams
The game-changers
Franz Beckenbauer Rob Steen
12. Sheepskin coats and nannygoats
the view from the press box Rob Steen
The game-changers
Havelange, Blatter and Platini – the ruling class Rob Steen and John Vale
13. Brought to book
football and literature Peter Stead
The game-changers
Johan Cruyff Jon Vale
Part III. Where We Are
14. What took you so long? Spain conquers the world Huw Richards
The game-changers
José Mourinho Jed Novick
15. Where next? Football's new frontiers Toby Miller
The game-changers
Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo Jed Novick
Further reading
Index.