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The Ball Is Round

A Global History of Soccer

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The Ball Is Round

Written by: David Goldblatt, David Goldblatt - foreword
Narrated by: Liam Gerrard
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About this listen

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.

©2006 David Goldblatt (P)2020 Tantor
Football (Soccer) History of Sports Sociology of Sports Soccer United States War Imperialism Refugee Interwar Period Soccer History
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Whether you’re a casual player, a follower of the Champions League, a football fan, or just interested in learning more about the football world, our list of the best football or soccer books captures what makes “the beautiful game” such a sensation and a way of life for many. Playing and watching the sport is a breathtaking experience, but listening to audiobooks about soccer offers a whole new experience that is as entertaining as it is educational. Here’s our list of the best football books for you to hit play on in audio form, brought to you by your favourite sportswriters and international soccer superstars.

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