Orion Football Against The Enemy

if you like books about the history and culture of football this is fascinating and well written.

This is a really fine book, very difficult to put down. All of the chapters were interesting. As a Celtic fan, I enjoyed the chapter on the Old Firm and his non-involved, outsider's perspective was both amusing and illuminating (after all, for those of us who support one or the other, it's difficult to "step back" and examine things). Because the book is now quite a few years old, there are some political realities that have changed considerably, but it doesn't detract from how well Kuper captures the times and places he documents. I think even someone with only the faintest notion of the game itself would find this book enjoyable to read, as its focus is primarily cultural, social and political. A terrific read. Highly recommended.

Excellent book reveals the impact of football on political and social life in diff regions of the globe truely engaging.

At times, it gives the best feeling for a football fan. But certain chapters are quite dry. Overall, it is quite informative but lacks a touch of emotion.

Kuper definitely does his homework in writing this book, probably the first of its kind when written in the early 90's. I is hard to not appreciate all the traveling and risks he took in getting some of these interviews, but then again he is sometimes self serving about how hard the journey's were. Anyhow, he picks his topics well and focuses on one aspect of a particular area or rivalry that gives us a glimpse into the whole.Some drawbacks were already apparent in the first chapter where you could clearly read into a bit of bias, but it only hurts it minimally. Overall, a great read into the world of 90's soccer with the history to back it up. Definitely reads differently than if it was written today as the politics of football have faded to make way for the business of football, but only 20 or so years ago it was quite different, great to appreciate the difference.