There's something magical about holding a piece of football history in your hands. The Topical Times Football Book 1963-64 isn't just another sports annual – it's a pristine window into what many consider the golden age of British football, published right before England's historic 1966 World Cup victory.
The annual's cover immediately draws you in, featuring an action shot of Chelsea's legendary goalkeeper Peter Bonetti in a dramatic save against Manchester United's David Herd. It's these kinds of moments, frozen in time, that make this publication so special. At 126 pages, bound in striking red boards, the book has weathered its six decades remarkably well, speaking to the quality of its original production.
What sets this edition apart is its comprehensive coverage of the era's football landscape. The carefully curated team photos – featuring powerhouses like Arsenal, Liverpool, and Tottenham Hotspur – capture these clubs at fascinating points in their histories. The inclusion of Scottish teams Rangers and Partick Thistle, along with European giants Benfica, demonstrates football's growing international appeal during this period.
The book's charm lies in its varied content. Beyond the expected match reports and player profiles, it offers quirky features like the playful back cover illustration showing cartoon footballers from different nations, a delightful reflection of the sport's universal appeal. The detailed index of photographs is particularly valuable for genealogists and family historians trying to track down relatives who played professionally during this era.
For collectors, this 1963-64 edition represents the Topical Times series at its best. The original price of 9/6 (nine shillings and sixpence) remains visible on the unclipped dust jacket, which shows only minimal wear. The interior pages remain clean and firmly bound, making this copy particularly desirable for serious collectors.
But perhaps the annual's greatest value lies in how it captures football's transition from a working-class pastime to the global entertainment juggernaut we know today. Through its pages, we glimpse a sport on the cusp of modernisation, yet still charmingly accessible and down-to-earth. The mix of color and monochrome photographs, detailed articles, and interactive elements like quizzes creates an engaging snapshot of mid-1960s football culture.
For both collectors and football historians, The Topical Times Football Book 1963-64 represents more than just a vintage publication – it's a tangible connection to a pivotal moment in football history, preserved in remarkably good condition. At £60, it offers fair value for such a well-preserved piece of sporting memorabilia, especially given its historical significance and excellent condition.
This isn't just a book; it's a time machine, taking us back to when football was on the brink of its modern era, yet retained much of its traditional charm. For anyone interested in the history of the beautiful game, it's an absolute treasure.
The edition now protected with Archival Dust Jacket Protection
