Description

Book Synopsis
The definitive book about soccer, from the author of The Games: A Global History of the Olympics.

There may be no cultural practice more global than soccer. Rites of birth and marriage are infinitely diverse, but the rules of soccer are universal. No world religion can match its geographical scope. The single greatest simultaneous human collective experience is the World Cup final.

In this extraordinary tour de force, David Goldblatt tells the full story of soccer's rise from chaotic folk ritual to the world's most popular sport-now poised to fully establish itself in the USA. Already celebrated internationally, The Ball Is Round illuminates soccer's role in the political and social histories of modern societies, but never loses sight of the beauty, joy, and excitement of the game itself.

The Ball is Round: A Global History of Soccer

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    £28.50

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    Order before 4pm today for delivery by Wed 8 Jul 2026.

    A Paperback / softback by David Goldblatt

    3 in stock

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      Publisher: Penguin Putnam Inc
      Publication Date: 02/01/2008
      ISBN13: 9781594482960, 978-1594482960
      ISBN10: 1594482969
      Also in:
      Sociology: sport and leisure Association football (Soccer) History of sport

      Description

      Book Synopsis
      The definitive book about soccer, from the author of The Games: A Global History of the Olympics.

      There may be no cultural practice more global than soccer. Rites of birth and marriage are infinitely diverse, but the rules of soccer are universal. No world religion can match its geographical scope. The single greatest simultaneous human collective experience is the World Cup final.

      In this extraordinary tour de force, David Goldblatt tells the full story of soccer's rise from chaotic folk ritual to the world's most popular sport-now poised to fully establish itself in the USA. Already celebrated internationally, The Ball Is Round illuminates soccer's role in the political and social histories of modern societies, but never loses sight of the beauty, joy, and excitement of the game itself.

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