The Illustrated History of Football

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. :-)

I rarely write reviews, but am compelled to do so for Mr. Squires' masterpiece. If you are remotely interested in sport and it's evolution in modern society, through the lens of a hilarious cynic who doubles as an outstanding artist, then you will enjoy this work. I do not normally go for comics or illustrations, yet the intricate detail (often requiring several views to catch all of the sly humor), "in-the-know" in-jokes and social commentary makes Mr. Squires' book incredibly enjoyable to read and re-read. American readers make not understand all of the U.K.-centric items, however, that should not prohibit anyone from enjoying this book. My only suggestion to Mr. Squires is to incorporate the three "football hipsters" into his work at the Guardian.

This book is highly enjoyable, complete with classic laconic British humor and contextual references that may need prior understanding. However, with the benefit of information age, the numerous jokes may not be entirely lost on those who love humor in sport. The genius of Mr. Squires is two fold - to transform situations that sometimes call for serious approach into utterly hilarious sequences and juxtapose non-sporting entities (characters, events) with football. I have been reading his weekly Guardian column for over a year now and it is no exaggeration that some of his work there left me doubled up in laughter. I used to think comic panels in newspapers and books was a dying art but Mr. Squires made me think otherwise. Highly recommended.

Nice book. I purchased this for my husband thinking it was about North American football. I didn’t look at the cover closely enough in the picture before purchasing.

Having only gotten into football in my early 20s, there was plenty I didn't know about landmark events and his book covers it all: with panache and plenty of easter eggs. A thoroughly, delightful and funny read. I only wish it covered more events.

Squires is a very talented artist and quite witty too. If you're a football fan, you'll enjoy this. You might even enjoy it if you're not a football fan.

Brilliant

Excellent summary of the history of football - a perfect balance between the important facts, weird details/anecdotes, and humor to make it all enjoyable. Mind the gap.

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.

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 :)

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.

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

This guy gets it, he seems to find the culturally signific elements of the beautiful game we all love or love to hate.The illustrations are oddly realistic and evoke memories of events and the writing is really engaging. Like your clever mate isn't such a blowhard about stuff you enjoy but pretend not to just so he doesn't lord it over you :-)