The Topical Times Football Book 1967 - 68

For football historians and memorabilia collectors, few items capture the essence of a bygone era quite like The Topical Times Football Book 1967-68. This hardbound annual, now a cherished collector's piece, offers a fascinating window into English football during one of its most transformative periods.
Published just a year after England's World Cup triumph, this edition spans 126 pages of both colour and black-and-white photographs, accompanied by in-depth articles and quizzes that defined the annual football book genre of the period. The distinctive grey boards have weathered the decades remarkably well, while the preserved dust jacket – still bearing its original price of 10/6d – shows the expected wear of its 58 years but remains complete and unclipped, a rarity for publications of this vintage.
What makes this volume particularly valuable is its comprehensive coverage of clubs that would define English football for decades to come. From Arsenal to Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur to Everton, the book captures these teams at fascinating moments in their histories. The dust wrapper itself features dynamic action shots from Tottenham Hotspur and Everton matches, setting the tone for the visual feast within.
One of the book's most practical features is its dual index system, with a separate listing for images – an invaluable resource for genealogists or fans trying to track down photographs of relatives who played professionally during this era. The content strikes a perfect balance between serious journalism and entertainment, featuring both analytical articles and engaging quizzes that reflect the football culture of the late 1960s.
The book's current market value of £30 (as listed on soccerbooks.co.uk) seems modest given its historical significance and good condition. The addition of archival dust jacket protection ensures this piece of football history will continue to be preserved for future generations.
For collectors, researchers, or simply nostalgic fans, this annual represents more than just a book – it's a time capsule of English football at a pivotal moment, when the game was transitioning from its traditional roots toward the modern era. The comprehensive coverage of teams from Arsenal to Wolves, including Scottish giants Celtic and Rangers, makes it an essential reference for understanding the broader football landscape of the 1967-68 season.
Despite some minor shelf wear and nicks – entirely forgivable given its age – this volume stands as a testament to the quality of sports publishing in the 1960s. The large format, abundant illustrations, and mix of colour and monochrome photography create an immersive experience that modern digital archives struggle to replicate.
For serious collectors of football memorabilia, this Topical Times annual represents an excellent investment in both historical value and collecting satisfaction. Its well-preserved state and comprehensive coverage make it a worthy addition to any sporting library.
ROYAL MAIL TRACKED 48 
Published: 1967
Price: £30.00 
Hardcover: 192 pages