For Villa supporters and football history enthusiasts alike, this 155-page journey through one of English football's most fascinating periods is nothing short of a treasure trove. Drawing from the archives of Charles Buchan's Football Monthly, the pioneering magazine that first hit newsstands in September 1951, this book captures a pivotal era in Villa's storied history.
The timing of this collection couldn't be more perfect, as it chronicles Villa's journey through a transformative period in English football. The book's greatest strength lies in its remarkable visual archive, featuring hundreds of photographs, including colour illustrations unseen for over six decades. These images not only document matches, but they also capture the essence of a period when football was shifting from post-war austerity to modern entertainment.
The narrative peaks with two of Villa's greatest triumphs of the period: the dramatic 1957 FA Cup victory and the inaugural League Cup win in 1961. The FA Cup final coverage is particularly compelling, featuring Peter McParland's match-winning double against Manchester United and the iconic moment when Johnny Dixon lifted the trophy. The 1961 League Cup triumph adds another layer of historical significance, as Villa emerged victorious in a tight 3-2 aggregate victory over Rotherham United, claiming the first-ever League Cup trophy.
What sets this book apart is its use of contemporary accounts from Charles Buchan's Football Monthly, a publication that prided itself on being "worthy of our national game and the grand sportsmen who play and watch it." The players' stories, told in their own words, provide an authenticity that modern retrospectives often lack. Through these accounts, legends like Johnny Dixon, Peter McParland, and Jackie Sewell step off the page as real people, not just names in a record book.
While this period wasn't Villa's most trophy-laden, the book succeeds in capturing why it remains so captivating. It portrays an era of massive crowds, of football played on muddy pitches, of local heroes who lived in the same communities as the fans. The social history is as fascinating as the sporting achievements, with the context of rationing and post-war recovery adding depth to the football narrative.
For younger Villa supporters, this book serves as an essential education in their club's heritage. For older fans, it's a nostalgic journey back to an era they may remember firsthand. The hundreds of photographs, many in colour, make this not just a historical document but a visual feast that brings the period vividly to life.
This isn't just a sports book; it's a time capsule, expertly curated and lovingly presented. For any Villa supporter, it's an essential addition to their collection, offering both historical insight and an emotional connection to a fascinating chapter in the club's history.
ROYAL MAIL TRACKED 48Published: November 18, 2024Price: £19.99 Paperback: 155 pagesISBN-10: 0995478333ISBN-13: 978-0995478336Dimensions: 154 x 236 (mm)