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

    Product form

    A Paperback / softback by David Goldblatt

    £27.00

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    Order before 4pm today for delivery by Wed 16 Sep 2026.

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      Book details

      Publisher Penguin Putnam Inc
      Published 2 January 2008
      ISBN-13 9781594482960
      978-1594482960
      ISBN-10 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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