Aston Villa; The First One Hundred and Fifty Years; Volume 1

by Jon Farrelly, Colin Abbott, John Russell

As we approach Aston Villa's landmark 150-year anniversary, a stunning book project has been commissioned to celebrate the club's incredibly proud history. This is the first of two large-format 400-plus-page coffee table books to commemorate the occasion and tells the remarkable story of Villa's first 75 years. An era when the club dominated football... the Kings of Birmingham and renowned across the globe. Written by respected club authors and historians - Colin Abbott, Jon Farrelly and John Russell - this book contains stunning photographs, illustrations, stories, fascinating press cuttings, as well as precious memoribillia that will be treasured by every Aston Villa supporter.

408 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2020

Reviews

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Coffee table book of the first 75 years of Aston Villa. Goes through the seasons in chronological order. A few pages of the formative years followed by the first season of 1876-7 going until 1948-9. The next 75 years will follow in a not yet released second volume.

About 60% of the content is photos/pictures and 40% text. Of the text 2/3 is cut outs from old news papers. Games, important players and other persons connected to the club and events in connection to the club is mentioned. I like the mix and appreciate they held back a bit on the reporting of games as it becomes repetitive very fast. Of course the stories of how Villa in their first game had to play rugby for a half and their refusal to do the Nazi salute on their tour in Germany is in the book. Interestingly the German crowds watching the games seemed upset, but not because Villa refused the salute, but because Villa used the offside trap as a tactic in the games. My favorite story is probably how the second ever Villa captain George Ramsay with accomplish(es) sneaked into the then home ground Wellington Road in the cover of darkness and dynamited the leftover stumps from some trees which previously had been cut down.

I have two small criticisms of the book. In a few cases something is written which leaves the reader hanging a bit. In one season it was reported the finances was bad and then nothing is said until they are suddenly great again. It would have been nice if something was written about how it was turned around. Secondly it would have been nice to have an index of players, managers and other people of notice and on what pages they are mentioned. But maybe the plan has been to have that for both volumes in the next, and last, book. I'd hope so!

Highly recommended for Villa fans!

[Colm Sheerin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I own a number of sports books but never felt compelled to write a review of any of those books but this book is simply a masterpiece. The level of research, knowledge and detail that went into this book is incredible and you can clearly see it was a labour of love for the authors. The level of insight was fascinating given the significant timespan the book covers and I can only imagine the work that must have gone in to this project. In terms of Villa being 150 years old this book is a must for any Villa fan and it is a really great thing for anyone to have on their bookshelf and I am really glad its on my bookshelf.