There is no question that David Goldblatt is one of football’s greatest intellectuals. Both of his previous books, The Ball is Round and Futebol Nation, were world-class and The Game of Our Lives is no exception.
The new release, which hit the shelves on Veterans Day, is an absolute delight in every regard. He tackles the British game in a stimulating way, discussing every controversy and every important issue.
It is clear that Goldblatt is a natural storyteller, one that pulls history and society into the football mix. Each of the hefty seven chapters start with an interesting quote or anecdote, something that perfectly frames the upcoming discussion. Each of these chapters could easily have become its own book in someone else’s hands, but Goldblatt does his work in a succinct (and still) profound way.
He delivers a perfect perspective on the diversity of the game, taking Welsh, Scottish, and Irish perspectives into account. He is quick to bring in historical discussions that provide a platform for discussing modern issues.
He touches on a variety of topics, from the globalization of the Premier League to the role of women in all things football. We particularly enjoyed his thoughts on the modern game and how the game has evolved over the years, becoming an international spectacle of the biggest proportions.
Simply put, this is a tremendous title that adds a great deal to a publishing season full of great reads. This is not surprising as you should always expect excellence when you see Goldblatt’s name attached.
