Hardcover 320 pages
100 Must-See Grounds
Europe's Football Temples
From Soviet Bowls to Modern Marvels
Few authors have captured the essence of European stadia in the realm of football like Leon Gladwell. As The Proper Football Review notes, "This book takes you on a groundhopping journey through Europe, a continent that is one of the smallest in the world, behind Australia, but the richest in football culture."
Gladwell's lens doesn't merely focus on the architectural marvels that dominate Champions League nights. Instead, he weaves together tales of both the grandiose and the humble, from weathered terraces to modern masterpieces. Consider the unique Moscow ground, where a decommissioned Russian fighter jet guards the pitch, or the modest yet charming confines of Great Yarmouth Town FC.
The author's previous work, "Beyond the Turnstiles", earned him acclaim for his ability to capture football's raw essence, and this latest offering elevates his craft further. Through 71 meticulous journeys across the continent, Gladwell has documented not just steel and concrete structures, but also the vibrant heart of European football culture.
Consider the Santiago Bernabéu, where modern engineering meets timeless tradition. Gladwell's narrative transports us beyond the retractable roof and high-tech pitch, revealing the essence of Madrid's football heritage. Then there's the San Siro, shared by bitter rivals AC Milan and Inter Milan, where every brick seems to whisper tales of derby day drama.
But it's perhaps in the lesser-known venues where Gladwell's work truly shines. Gladwell takes us to grounds situated on the periphery of civilisation, where local supporters brave the elements every week, their passion unabated by their humble surroundings. These are the places where football's true spirit endures—untouched by the commercialisation that dominates the sport's upper echelons.
As Adrian Durham on TalkSport observed, "From legendary venues to hidden gems, Gladwell's work captures the essence of what makes each ground special." The author's keen eye for detail reveals how these venues, whether hosting World Cup finals or Sunday league fixtures, share a common thread: they're all sacred spaces where football dreams take flight.
ROYAL MAIL TRACKED 48
Published: November 4, 2024
Price: £29.99
Hardcover: 320 pages
Weight: 1764g
ISBN-10: 1801507511
ISBN-13: 978-1801507516
Dimensions: 249 x 288 x 26 (mm)
Tariff Codes: 49019900
Lavishly illustrated
NEW – PRISTINE – SEALED – NEVER BEEN OPENED
