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David Squires
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The Illustrated History of Football: the highs and lows of football, brought to life in comic form… Hardcover – 3 Nov. 2016

by David Squires (Author)
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 336 ratings
See all formats and editions
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Stunningly illustrated by David Squires (as featured in the Guardian), The Illustrated History of Football is a wry look at the highs and lows of the beautiful game. Laugh-out- loud and occasionally moving, it's the perfect gift for anyone who loves football.

'Squires is the master of the football comic strip and this collection is recommended reading for enlightened football fans everywhere' -- Late Tackle
'No one captures the absurdities and ugliness of football better than him ... hilarious' -- Coach Magazine
'[Illustrated History of Football] is the funniest football tome since Viz's Billy the Fish Football Yearbook, published 26 years earlier' -- Esquire
'Simply brilliant - my favourite football book' -- ***** Reader review
'Completely amazing cartoons with beautiful insight as to the how, why, when & wow' -- ***** Reader review
'Simply wonderful' -- ***** Reader review
'One of the funniest books I've read in a very long time. A must for anyone who loves football' -- ***** Reader review
*********************************************************************************************
Football and comics. Once a hearty Saturday combination to match cartoons and cereal, in recent years they've drifted apart. Thankfully for us, illustrator Squires is here to change all that.

In The Illustrated History of Football, his first book, Squires relives some of football's most glorious moments and meets its greatest figures. In a sport full of handsome paycheques and corporate sponsors, he also casts a critical eye over corrupt backroom workings and helps pierce football's overblown balloon.

Funny, good-looking and preternaturally astute, this book is everything Sepp Blatter wishes he could be.
More than the archetypal loo book, this is a satirical look at the highs and lows of football and the perfect gift for all fans...

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  1. Print length
    208 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Century
  4. Publication date
    3 Nov. 2016
  5. Dimensions
    15.24 x 2.03 x 24.13 cm
  6. ISBN-10
    9781780895581
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1780895581
  8. See all details
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From the Publisher

Memorable moments from the beautiful game in stunning comic form
More than a loo book, this is a satirical look at the highs and lows of football -the perfect gift

Product description

Review

A ruddy good artist ― The Telegraph

Squires exhibits his personal knowledge of the game in a way that is thoughtful and, as with all comic satirists, really very funny . . . On the face of it this may look like a perfect lavatory book for dad for Christmas. But it is a lot more than that and well worth the read. ― Daily Express

David is unparalleled in his ability to highlight how ridiculous modern football can often be with his unique brand of caustic satire. -- Mike Hytner ― The Guardian

You will really want to buy it ― Football365

Squires is the master of the football comic strip and this collection is recommended reading for enlightened football fans everywhere. ― Late Tackle

Brilliant ― The Set Pieces

If you’re not familiar with the work of David Squires, then you really have been deprived up to now ― The Final Third

No one captures the absurdities and ugliness of football better than him … hilarious ― Coach Magazine

A bloody funny read ― Adam Peacock, Fox Sports

Squires’ opening lines sets the tone for a lively, tongue-in-cheek history of the beautiful game, accompanied by some excellent illustrations. ― Dorset Echo

This is an absolute landmark of football literature – worthy of the same status as Football Grounds of Europe , Inverting the Pyramid and All Played Out . This is not least because of the mind boggling amount of work involved – all the more prodigious given that Squires is a regular provider of comic strips for The Guardian . . . this is a genuinely funny book ― The Two Unfortunates

[Illustrated History of Football] is the funniest football tome since Viz's Billy the Fish Football Yearbook, published 26 years earlier. ― Esquire

About the Author

David Squires is a Sydney-based artist and illustrator. His work has featured prominently in a wide range of publications, from the Guardian to Pickles magazine. His work focuses on football and his hilarious comics and detailed illustrations cast a critical eye on the beautiful game. His first book, The Illustrated History of Football, was published in 2016. This is his second book.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ 1780895585
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Century; First Edition First Printing (3 Nov. 2016)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 208 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 9781780895581
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1780895581
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 15.24 x 2.03 x 24.13 cm
  • Customer reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 336 ratings

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David Squires

David Squires

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Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
336 global ratings

Customers say

Customers find the book hilarious, sarcastic, and full of heart. They also appreciate the beautiful drawings and insightful insights. Readers describe the book as a good gift.

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HumorVisual styleInsightGift valueMemories
20 customers mention ‘Humor’20 positive0 negative

Customers find the book hilarious, informative, and full of heart. They also describe it as entertaining, with factual content and comical illustrations.

"Completely amazing cartoons with beautiful insight as to the how, why, when & wow...." Read more

"...Hundreds of laughs in here, along with some genuinely touching moments, this book is full of heart and humour, and is a must for any football fan...." Read more

"...The strips are beautifully drawn and the accompanying text is funny and occasionally moving. His recent piece on Graham Taylor a good example...." Read more

"...A wicked sense of humour an economy of style that combines beautifully to expose the joys and absurdity of the beautiful game." Read more

10 customers mention ‘Visual style’10 positive0 negative

Customers find the book beautifully drawn and interesting. They also say it's an excellent read with an economy of style.

"...The strips are beautifully drawn and the accompanying text is funny and occasionally moving. His recent piece on Graham Taylor a good example...." Read more

"...A wicked sense of humour an economy of style that combines beautifully to expose the joys and absurdity of the beautiful game." Read more

"A wonderfully witty, beautifully drawn treasure trove for the football fan...." Read more

"...The illustrations are oddly realistic and evoke memories of events and the writing is really engaging...." Read more

6 customers mention ‘Insight’6 positive0 negative

Customers find the book insightful, illuminating, and interesting. They also describe it as clever and entertaining.

"...with the descriptive introduction to each section provide the most illuminating read to anyone who has grown up with football & has a interest,..." Read more

"A great book, clever and entertaining. If you like his Guardian series you'll definitely enjoy this." Read more

"Funny, perceptive and always on the ball" Read more

"Beautifully drawn and interesting. Best of all it is funny." Read more

3 customers mention ‘Gift value’3 positive0 negative

Customers say the book is funny and sarcastic. They also mention it's a good gift.

"...Funny, sarcastic. Good gift as well." Read more

"...Very factual content with comical illustrations.Good Christmas present, affordable but is a good value for money. If anything, underpriced!" Read more

"Perfect present..." Read more

3 customers mention ‘Memories’3 positive0 negative

Customers find the memories in the book oddly realistic and lovingly describe past events. They also mention the book is full of heart.

"...Hundreds of laughs in here, along with some genuinely touching moments, this book is full of heart and humour, and is a must for any football fan...." Read more

"...The illustrations are oddly realistic and evoke memories of events and the writing is really engaging...." Read more

"Amazing book! So beautiful, funny and lovingly describes the past events. Good job." Read more

Top reviews from United Kingdom

Justin
5.0 out of 5 stars Greater than Shoot or Match. Yes, you read correctly!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 9 July 2021
Verified Purchase
Completely amazing cartoons with beautiful insight as to the how, why, when & wow. These illustrations, along with the descriptive introduction to each section provide the most illuminating read to anyone who has grown up with football & has a interest, sympathetic or otherwise, to the mechanics that have created the 'game of billions'. From the idea of its very inception to the corruption, fair play and penalty disputes we all enjoy today. Understanding the formation of the game has never been so much fun :)
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"timolsky"
5.0 out of 5 stars Heart and Humour on every page - absolutely superb.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 18 May 2018
Verified Purchase
Simply wonderful. David Squires is not only a fantastic cartoonist but is also funnier than that time Geoff Thomas was clean through on goal for England and his shot nearly hit the corner flag. Hundreds of laughs in here, along with some genuinely touching moments, this book is full of heart and humour, and is a must for any football fan. Check out his regular pieces in The Guardian if you want more proof that this man is one of the finest and funniest cartoonists working today.
One person found this helpful
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M DAVISON
4.0 out of 5 stars He's currently on like page 25 and said he really likes it
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 28 December 2016
Verified Purchase
Got it for my bro this Christmas. He's currently on like page 25 and said he really likes it. Winner.
One person found this helpful
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars The strips are are beautifully drawn and the accompanying text full of funny lines
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 2 March 2017
Verified Purchase
I bought this book on the strength of the authors occasional pieces in the Guardian. A delightfully irreverent look at football through the ages. The strips are beautifully drawn and the accompanying text is funny and occasionally moving. His recent piece on Graham Taylor a good example. Anyone who is a bit tired otherwise of the hyperbole of the peoples game should give it a go. Great book
One person found this helpful
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Rob Prior
5.0 out of 5 stars My favourite football book.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 28 January 2017
Verified Purchase
Simply brilliant. Have been a fan of Squires weekly Guardian cartoons so was very pleased to discover this book of all new strips covering key events from the history of football. If you cross Steve Bell, Giles Smith and When Saturday Comes this is probably what you get. A wicked sense of humour an economy of style that combines beautifully to expose the joys and absurdity of the beautiful game.
4 people found this helpful
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KB
5.0 out of 5 stars Take a bow son. I'm over the moon!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 3 November 2016
Verified Purchase
I read David Squires' cartoons in the Guardian and they are funny. Pre-ordered this book and I received it today. I've read some of the cartoons and the accompanying text and I'm not disappointed. Mr Squires is a genius. Hilarious book. Order it as a treat for yourself or a Christmas present for a footy fan.
6 people found this helpful
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Don Myers
5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderfully witty, beautifully drawn treasure trove for the football ...
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 14 December 2016
Verified Purchase
A wonderfully witty, beautifully drawn treasure trove for the football fan.

Given that each page represents a different story in the history of the game, this is the perfect accompaniment to performing ones movements over the chamber pot.

The only problem is, so desperate am I for another hit of Squire's uproarious sketches, that I've taken to an all bran diet to make me more regular.

You should buy this book and the author, frankly, should invest his royalties in Kellogs.
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent item
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 24 February 2023
Verified Purchase
Great book, great condition
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Top reviews from other countries

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Fernley T McClenahan
5.0 out of 5 stars Exceeded expectations
Reviewed in Canada on 15 November 2019
Verified Purchase
Good quality and price, excellent content
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Lairdj
5.0 out of 5 stars Without doubt one of the funniest books of all time
Reviewed in Germany on 1 November 2019
Verified Purchase
Spike Milligan, Robert Rankin, Laird Tsconnie Scribbler and now David Squires, comic geniuses all. And then there was also Stephen Fry.
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Pramith Pillai
5.0 out of 5 stars A delightful experience
Reviewed in India on 26 August 2019
Verified Purchase
One of the funniest books ever written on football. David is an exceptional artist. His Guardian illustrations and cartoons can brighten up your hour/day/week(depends on how bad your hour/day/week is). If you like sports of any kind, give this a try. Give it a try even if you don't like sports. Pick it up. This is pure fun. I am sure David needs all the the money he can get with this.
2 people found this helpful
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javier
5.0 out of 5 stars Really Nice
Reviewed in Spain on 28 August 2017
Verified Purchase
A great summary of football greaetst moments with a nice touch of humor. I recommend it totally for children and adults alike
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Tears of laughter...everything we love and hate about football captured in a lovely book
Reviewed in the United States on 8 March 2017
Verified Purchase
My husband gave me this as a Christmas present and I only just now got a chance to read it (2 toddlers...it's hard to find time). I read David Squires every week in the Guardian, so I was certain this would be hilarious.

This book is AMAZING! I was already familiar with most of the events in this "history", and loved all the new details I learned and the humorous slant on much discussed and romanticized events. Squires's ability to capture the essence of all the famous footballers' faces also kind of amazes me. How can a "cartoon" look so much like the real thing? The cartoons on the right hand side of the pages are, of course, fantastic, but I enjoyed reading the prologues to every cartoon almost as much.

I kept wanting to talk to other people about this book but no one has read it!! So everyone please buy this book so I can talk to someone about it. :-)
One person found this helpful
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