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Spectrum of Soccer Culture
By an Amazon.com customer
White Storm: The Story of Real Madrid (Mainstream Sport)White Storm: The Story of Real Madrid (Mainstream Sport) by Phil Ball
Buy used from: $8.28
Phill Ball's experience as a Spanish journalist gives this book a feel of authenticity.
Dynamo: Triumph and Tragedy in Nazi-Occupied KievDynamo: Triumph and Tragedy in Nazi-Occupied Kiev by Andy Dougan
Buy used from: $0.74
Another book on the effect that Nazi Germany had on the countries around it.
Barca: A People's PassionBarca: A People's Passion by Jimmy Burns
Buy new: $10.85 / Used from: $5.42
A good history into one of the most prestigious clubs in football history.
How Soccer Explains the World: An Unlikely Theory of GlobalizationHow Soccer Explains the World: An Unlikely Theory of Globalization by Franklin Foer
Buy used from: $2.54
A favorite of mine. Foer gives the reader a peice of soccer culture from everywhere. Very good.
Bhoys, Bears and Bigotry: Rangers, Celtic and the Old Firm in the New Age of GlobalisedBhoys, Bears and Bigotry: Rangers, Celtic and the Old Firm in the New Age of Globalised by Bill Murray
Buy used from: $33.88
A great look at the history of one of the best rivalries in sports -- Rangers and Celtic -- and the tenacity of each camp.
Soccer Madness: Brazil's Passion for the World's Most Popular SportSoccer Madness: Brazil's Passion for the World's Most Popular Sport by Janet Lever
Buy new: $17.71 / Used from: $3.00
Soccer in Brazil. Nothing more needs to be said.
Motson's National Obsession: The Greatest Football Trivia Book Ever...Motson's National Obsession: The Greatest Football Trivia Book Ever... by Adam Ward
Buy used from: $0.01
A specific trivia book with a British feel to it.
Complete Encyclopedia of SoccerComplete Encyclopedia of Soccer by Keir Radnedge
Buy used from: $0.75
If you don't know it, look it up -- It will be in this book.
Brilliant Orange: The Neurotic Genius of Dutch SoccerBrilliant Orange: The Neurotic Genius of Dutch Soccer by David Winner
Buy used from: $20.00
I'm truly a fan of the Dutch game and its revolutionary style -- Total Football -- that emerged in the 60s.
Ajax, the Dutch, the War: Football in Europe During the Second World WarAjax, the Dutch, the War: Football in Europe During the Second World War by Simon Kuper
Buy used from: $16.75
An interesting look at Germany's tyrannical influence on the game in Holland.
Football Against the EnemyFootball Against the Enemy by Simon Kuper
Buy new: $13.17 / Used from: $5.55
A broad look at the game played across the world using a consistent theme -- hope and fear -- as a unifying force.
Offside: Soccer and American Exceptionalism.Offside: Soccer and American Exceptionalism. by Andrei S. Markovits
Buy new: $15.48 / Used from: $5.47
Explains -- although it doesn't justify it for me -- why Americans have not gotten it yet.
Among the ThugsAmong the Thugs by Bill Buford
Buy new: $10.85 / Used from: $2.97
Hooliganism.
The Unique TrebleThe Unique Treble by Alex Ferguson
Buy used from: $1.62
To most, The Treble is only a concept, a word. This book shows how Manchester turned that concept in to a reality.
The Game of Their Lives (A Signet book)The Game of Their Lives (A Signet book) by Klein
Buy used from: $1.95
U.S.'s monumental defeat of England in the 1950 World Cup.
The Dark Heart of ItalyThe Dark Heart of Italy by Tobias Jones
Buy used from: $0.43
Fabulous. Until you read this, you have never known the truth of Italian soccer.
My Favorite Year: A Collection of Football WritingMy Favorite Year: A Collection of Football Writing
Buy used from: $0.99
A different view from Hornby's pen, it's great from a writing and footbal perspective.
History of Soccer: The Beautiful GameHistory of Soccer: The Beautiful Game
Buy new: $74.49 / Used from: $32.49
It is the single most comprehensive history of the game. Covering areas from cultures vs sports, club vs country, the best players....it's a monumental contribution to society. Yes, society.
White Angels: Beckham, the Real Madrid and the New FootballWhite Angels: Beckham, the Real Madrid and the New Football by John Carlin
Buy used from: $0.01
In the newest aspect of the game -- marketing -- this is an indicator of where the game in the 21st century has gone....and where it might go.
The Miracle of Castel di Sangro: A Tale of Passion and Folly in the Heart of ItalyThe Miracle of Castel di Sangro: A Tale of Passion and Folly in the Heart of Italy by Joe McGinniss
Buy new: $10.85 / Used from: $1.49
Blends the culture of Italy with the plurality of soccer viewed through a smaller club's eyes.
Soccer in Sun and ShadowSoccer in Sun and Shadow by Eduardo Galeano
Buy used from: $6.37
Short, three hundred word snipets allows access to those who do not know how important the game truly is to the people in South America..
Hand of God: The Life of Diego Maradona, Soccer's Fallen StarHand of God: The Life of Diego Maradona, Soccer's Fallen Star by Jimmy Burns
Buy used from: $0.09
A superb player whose boots were polished by the hand of God, his talant was only superceded by his life on the edge.
Pele:  His Life and TimesPele: His Life and Times by Harry Harris
Buy used from: $6.40
Must have a biography of Pele. He's, unequivically, the best of all-time.
Broken Dreams: Vanity, Greed and the Souring of British FootballBroken Dreams: Vanity, Greed and the Souring of British Football by Tom Bower
Buy used from: $1.72
A dark side of the beautiful game.
The Glory GameThe Glory Game by Hunter Davies
Buy used from: $1.74
Almost 35 years later, it still feels wonderfully fresh. A great read.