Description
Book SynopsisThe Immortals is a passionate love letter to Celtic FC, by turns ecstatic and distressed, angry and joyous, but always obsessed. After the disappointment in 2021 of failing to complete the fabled ten-in-a-row league titles, the author took solace in researching causes for celebration from Celtic's proud past. His starting point was the rallying cry that 'two nines are better than one', and the book's centrepieces are stories of both of Celtic's nine-in-a-row triumphs. On his journey he discovered darkness and despair as well as derring-do and delight, the extremes of emotion inevitable in all love affairs. He uncovered the evils of the Irish Holocaust and the poverty of Glasgow's East End that preceded Celtic's foundation, the dubious conduct of Celtic's money-men, as well as the 'miracles' of the immortals among the club's founding fathers, its dynasties, managers and players. The book takes us on a pilgrimage through time with faithful hope for the future.
Trade Review"The Immortals… one of the most essential Celtic reads… equal parts enlightening and engaging… deftly held together by Vine’s astute grasp of what the club represents to its supporters. Few writers have ever illustrated Jock Stein’s tenure at Celtic with such poetic grace. Vine’s ambition, along with his ability as a writer, place this work far above any rote account of Celtic’s two historical nine-in-a-row runs. [It] offers as much insight as historical detail that goes beyond what is offered in Celtic’s literature."
* Not the View, Celtic fanzine *
"Vine conjures a thoughtful, provocative and knowing account of Celtic's key figures and history. It is expertly written and compelling."
-- Michael Grant * Scottish Football Correspondent, The Times *
