{"product_id":"stanly-matthews-annuals-1949-1954","title":"Stanly Matthews Annuals 1949 - 1954","description":"\u003ccenter\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 128, 0);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e \u003cspan style=\"font-size: xx-large;\"\u003eStanley Matthews Annuals\u003cbr\u003e Collector’s Opportunity\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/center\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"note\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStanley Matthews' Football Album\u003c\/strong\u003e (Marks \u0026amp; Spencer Ltd, 1948–49):\u003cbr\u003eOne of the earliest football books directly associated with a star player, this album was sold exclusively by Marks \u0026amp; Spencer for the 1948–49 season and remains a highly prized collector’s item.\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: xx-large;\"\u003eThe Annuals for Sale\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStanley Matthews’ Football Album\u003c\/strong\u003e (1948–49) – Published by Marks \u0026amp; Spencer Ltd\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStanley Matthews’ Football Parade\u003c\/strong\u003e (1950–51) – Published by Sampson Low, Marston \u0026amp; Co, Ltd\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStanley Matthews’ Football Review\u003c\/strong\u003e (1954–55) – Published by Sampson Low, Marston \u0026amp; Co, Ltd\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cdiv align=\"justify\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"condition\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCondition:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 255);\"\u003eAll three annuals have been carefully inspected: all pages are present and the binding remains tight. These annuals were not published with dust jackets, so after nearly 80 years, the boards have naturally taken some wear—mostly on the corners. Nonetheless, this set is in relatively good condition and, having passed through our hands many times, remains a fine example of classic football publishing.\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003cdiv align=\"justify\"\u003eThe postwar era saw an explosion of mass-market football annuals in the UK, with Sampson Low, Marston \u0026amp; Co, Ltd at the very heart of this publishing revolution. These beautifully produced books, aimed at young fans, offered not just player profiles and match reports, but a real sense of excitement and possibility for a generation growing up in football’s golden age. Among the standout titles, “The Big Book of Football Champions” (first published in 1951) quickly became a household name, setting a standard for annuals with its rich photographs and lively writing. \u003cbr\u003eSampson Low, Marston \u0026amp; Co, Ltd’s influence didn’t end there. The publisher brought out a string of iconic player-led annuals, including “Tommy Lawton’s All Star Football Book” (1949), “Bert Williams’ All Star Football Book” (1950), and “Stanley Matthews’ Football Parade” (1950). Each of these books reflected not only the style and flair of their footballing authors, but also the publisher’s commitment to quality and accessibility. \u003cbr\u003eStanley Matthews, in particular, lent his name and insight to several titles, such as “Stanley Matthews’ Football Review” (1954–55). His involvement ensured that these annuals were packed with practical advice, behind-the-scenes stories, and genuine inspiration for young readers. Matthews’ positive influence and generosity with his knowledge helped foster a deeper love of the game across Britain. \u003cbr\u003eThanks to Sampson Low, Marston \u0026amp; Co, Ltd and the contributions of football greats like Matthews, Lawton, Williams, and Mortensen, these annuals have become treasured pieces of football history. Their legacy endures, reminding us of a time when the beautiful game leapt from muddy pitches to the colourful pages of a book, capturing the imagination of a generation.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(218, 32, 42);\"\u003e\u003cu\u003eROYAL MAIL TRACKED 48\u003c\/u\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePublished: 1948, 1950 and 1954\u003cbr\u003ePrice: £29.99\u003cbr\u003eHardbacks\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"PUBLISHED 1948 - 1954","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56535808442748,"sku":"45mail","price":29.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1060\/2756\/files\/Stanley_Matthews_0001.png?v=1774426089","url":"https:\/\/www.soccerbooks.co.uk\/fi\/products\/stanly-matthews-annuals-1949-1954","provider":"SOCCER BOOKS","version":"1.0","type":"link"}