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Premier League: A History in 10 Matches by White, Jim (2014) Paperback
For all the accusations of greed levelled at its well-remunerated players, and the gripe that it is dominated by an elite of wealthy clubs, the Premier League has proved a huge success in footballing and commercial terms since its inaugural season of 1992-3. It has transformed the violent terrace culture of the 1970s and 1980s into sophisticated sporting theatre, a twenty-first century Circus Maximus in which an international cast of footballing gladiators strut their skills before vast crowds in gleaming stadia - and a global audience of billions.Jim White has chosen ten epic clashes to represent the rise and rise of English football's top flight. He evokes the sweat and effort of the matches in thrilling detail, and uses them as a prism through which to view every strand of the premiership's he profiles players, managers and owners; charts the ebb and flow of club fortunes in footballing and fiscal terms; and brings to life the turning-points and moments of drama, joy and despair that have punctuated the first 21 years of global football's most watched league.
Paperback Bunko
First published August 1, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
November 8, 2017
What a great read. It provides a background for many of the moments I watched on TV on Saturday and Sunday mornings over the last 10-15 years. A great telling of the history of the EPL. Many of the games had a rich history beneath them, and the quotes from players and managers provided a great deal of depth for the reader.
May 3, 2020
The man who has reported on every Premier League season for British newspapers chooses the 10 key games that best sum up the worst league in the world, which he makes look rather attractive.
May 7, 2021
AGUEROOOOOOO!
This book is well-written, and although it's surely outdated now that it has been a decade since its release, there were still magnificent moments that shape the most profitable football league on planet earth.
This book is well-written, and although it's surely outdated now that it has been a decade since its release, there were still magnificent moments that shape the most profitable football league on planet earth.
September 6, 2023
"Premier League: A History in 10 Matches" by Jim White attempts to distill the rich and intricate history of the Premier League into a selection of ten matches. While the concept is intriguing and has the potential to offer a unique perspective on the league's evolution, the execution falls disappointingly short, rendering the book quite mediocre.
One of the book's notable shortcomings lies in its selection of matches. While White covers some iconic moments, the choices seem arbitrary at times, lacking a clear thematic or chronological structure. This haphazard approach makes it challenging for readers to discern a coherent narrative thread connecting these matches. The omission of certain pivotal games and the inclusion of others may leave fans questioning the criteria used in the selection process.
White's writing, while serviceable, lacks the flair and depth one would expect in a book aiming to encapsulate the history of the Premier League. The narrative feels rushed and often fails to capture the essence of the matches and their broader significance. Descriptions of the games, pivotal moments, and players lack the vividness and detailed analysis that could bring the historical context to life.
The analysis of the matches, a critical component in a book of this nature, remains somewhat superficial. White skims the surface of the tactical, strategic, and emotional dimensions of each game, missing an opportunity to delve into the intricacies that define the evolution of football in the Premier League era. Fans seeking a deeper understanding of the sport's transformation may find the book lacking in substance.
While the book includes anecdotes and interviews, they are not seamlessly integrated into the narrative. The transitions between historical context, match details, and personal insights can be abrupt, disrupting the flow of the storytelling. This lack of cohesion diminishes the overall reading experience.
In conclusion, "Premier League: A History in 10 Matches" falls short of delivering a compelling exploration of the league's evolution. Despite a promising concept, the book's arbitrary selection of matches, lackluster writing, and shallow analysis make it a rather mediocre addition to the literature on football history. Fans seeking a more comprehensive and engaging journey through the Premier League's past may find themselves wanting more from this book.
One of the book's notable shortcomings lies in its selection of matches. While White covers some iconic moments, the choices seem arbitrary at times, lacking a clear thematic or chronological structure. This haphazard approach makes it challenging for readers to discern a coherent narrative thread connecting these matches. The omission of certain pivotal games and the inclusion of others may leave fans questioning the criteria used in the selection process.
White's writing, while serviceable, lacks the flair and depth one would expect in a book aiming to encapsulate the history of the Premier League. The narrative feels rushed and often fails to capture the essence of the matches and their broader significance. Descriptions of the games, pivotal moments, and players lack the vividness and detailed analysis that could bring the historical context to life.
The analysis of the matches, a critical component in a book of this nature, remains somewhat superficial. White skims the surface of the tactical, strategic, and emotional dimensions of each game, missing an opportunity to delve into the intricacies that define the evolution of football in the Premier League era. Fans seeking a deeper understanding of the sport's transformation may find the book lacking in substance.
While the book includes anecdotes and interviews, they are not seamlessly integrated into the narrative. The transitions between historical context, match details, and personal insights can be abrupt, disrupting the flow of the storytelling. This lack of cohesion diminishes the overall reading experience.
In conclusion, "Premier League: A History in 10 Matches" falls short of delivering a compelling exploration of the league's evolution. Despite a promising concept, the book's arbitrary selection of matches, lackluster writing, and shallow analysis make it a rather mediocre addition to the literature on football history. Fans seeking a more comprehensive and engaging journey through the Premier League's past may find themselves wanting more from this book.
January 2, 2014
A superb book and must read for any true fan of English football.
March 11, 2014
I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/12452925
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/12452925
February 7, 2015
Reasonable account of the history of the premier league
September 30, 2016
A very informative history of the Premier League through the lens(es) of 10 matches. I hear references to these players on a regular basis during broadcasts and it's good to know who they are/were.
January 23, 2017
Amazing!
Fantastic read for any football fan. It brings back many incredible memories and would definitely recommend to novice and veterans.
Fantastic read for any football fan. It brings back many incredible memories and would definitely recommend to novice and veterans.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews