Behind the Curtain
Football in Eastern Europe
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Orion Publishing Co
Published:1st Nov '06
Should be back in stock very soon
This book tells the story of football's evolution in Eastern Europe after the Berlin Wall's fall, revealing both challenges and triumphs in the sport.
In Behind the Curtain, Jonathan Wilson explores the profound impact of the collapse of the Berlin Wall on football in Eastern Europe. He takes readers on a journey through war-torn cities like Sarajevo, where athletes faced the harrowing challenge of dodging sniper fire just to attend training sessions. The narrative captures the transformation of the region's football culture, moving from the state-controlled teams of the communist era to a chaotic landscape influenced by market forces and organized crime.
The author delves into the historical significance of football in Eastern Europe, highlighting the glory days of Hungary's 'Golden Squad' and the disintegration of the once-mighty Yugoslavian football empire. Through personal anecdotes and interviews, Wilson paints a vivid picture of the challenges and triumphs that define the beautiful game in this region. He also revisits the story of Russia's legendary player, Eduard Streltsov, and reflects on key moments that have shaped the sport's identity.
Behind the Curtain is not just a chronicle of football; it is a compelling exploration of how sport reflects the broader sociopolitical changes in Eastern Europe. Wilson's insightful writing brings to life the resilience and passion of players and fans alike, making this book an essential read for anyone interested in the intersection of sport and history.
Epic... Wilson writes captivatingly with humour... anyone with an interest in eastern European sport will be consulting this book for years to come. * Financial Times *
A blissful book, lovingly and stylishly written * Daily Telegraph *
With style and erudition, [Wilson] proves that football is a metaphor, an allegory, and much more than just a game * The Times *
There's everything you needed to know about football and plenty that you didn't... wittily observed travel writing. * When Saturday Comes *
This fascinating and perceptive travelogue includes a fine collection of anecdotes too colourful for fiction. * The Sunday Times *
A terrific book * Henry Winter *
Football is centred squarely within a fascinating socio-political context... There is plenty of humour too. * Independent on Sunday *
Compelling... he [Wilson] succeeds in going well beyond the lurid headlines, skilfully interweaving his own travel notes with forays into politics, culture and history. * FourFourTwo *
Enlightening * The Scotsman *
An intriguing, entertaining history-cum-sports travelogue. * Metro *
Wilson knows an immense amount about eastern European football and has crammed a lot into 300 pages. He writes well and has a lot of good stories. * The Guardian *
As absorbing as any post-war spy thriller. * Sunday Life *
Engrossing and funny travelogue-cum-social history * Glasgow Evening Times *
Jonathan Wilson brilliantly plugs the gaps in our knowledge...an observant and witty guide to life in Eastern Europe. * Waterstones Books Quarterly *
It's a book that had to be written. Excellent. * Simon Kuper, author of FOOTBALL AGAINST THE ENEMY *
With style and erudition, [Wilson] proves that football is a metaphor, an allegory, and much more than just a game * THE TIMES *
Enlightening * THE SCOTSMAN *
ISBN: 9780752879451
Dimensions: 196mm x 130mm x 26mm
Weight: 248g
352 pages