The Simplest Game: The Intelligent Fan's Guide to the World of Soccer

by Paul Gardner

Revised in time for the new soccer league and the 1996 Olympics, The Simplest Game continues to be the reference on the game, its players, and its history. Now with photos throughout of the most memorable and talented players, the book traces the evolution of soccer from a crude, rustic pastime into a sophisticated worldwide business and offers a wealth of facts, figures, rules, and anecdotes to delight anyone with a passing or devout interest in the sport. With an introduction by Pele, The Simplest Game is the only book the soccer fan will ever need.

Genres: Sports, Soccer, Nonfiction, Football

320 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1976

Reviews

[Dwayne Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rich and fascinating overview of soccer's history and greatest moments, from the pen of someone who was a first-hand witness to much of what he describes. Gardner's style is humorous, flowing, and communicates the intense energy of the spectacle that is soccer. This is the book to read if you love soccer, or perhaps if you want a taste of what the fuss is all about.

[Michaela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I skimmed over a large portion dealing with World Cup history. I was really in it for the portion explaining how soccer rooted and bloomed in England and the portion on the development of strategy. His recommendations for improving the game sound sensible but with so much money in it at this point I'm not sure they would ever succeed.

[Anthony · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is alright. One of the biggest disappointments is that it is mainly from the British viewpoint. The author is not very positive or interested in what is happening in the United States.

[Benjamin Plume · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad. Instructional and informative.

[Gonzalo]

It was awesome, showed my about soccer