Released especially to coincide with the 2002 tournament in South Korea and Japan, this titles gives an authoritative account of the history of the tournament. Starting with the story of how the World Cup came into being, Brian Glanville’s definitive text – specially commissioned for Naxos AudioBooks – traces the development of the tournament from the inaugural finals in Uruguay, 1930 to the memorable 1998 extravaganza in France.
Today the World Cup is followed by tens of millions of football fans around the globe, but its amazing history is appreciated by only a few. Many of the game’s great stars have made their name through participation on football’s centre stage – Eusebio, Pele, Maradona, Cruyff and Beckenbauer. Each tournament is put into its football and historical context and, in addition to descriptions of the main games and stars of each event, supplementary background and anecdotes are included, making it a great product for those with only a passing interest in the game as well.
This audiobook set includes bonus audio content of Sir Bobby Charlton’s reminiscences, specially recorded, making this a truly unique audiobook history.
Music: National Anthems and traditional football music
Reviews
The (London) Independent ...
“The History of the World Cup is a shining example of innovation in spoken-word publishing. All fans will love it, but the real measure of brilliance is that a football illiterate like me at last understands their obsession. Introduced by Bobby Charlton, whose memories and opinions (“keep it low and hit it sweetly”) fill the whole of the fourth CD, it skillfully distils the epic story from Uruguay 1930 to France 1998. Brian Glanville’s lively, knowledgeable narrative is delivered with the right pace and spirit by ITV presenter Bob Wilson. Everything is here: controversial goals, insane referee decisions, hooligan supporters, dirty politics. The heroes are deftly characterised - Maradona’s Hand of God, Pele’s twinkling boots, Bobby Moore’s calm control - and the booklet lists play-offs in each of the 16 events.”
Disability Times...
“For many of us, June will be dominated by international football, and between matches the armchair fan can enjoy the timely Naxos publication, The History of the World Cup. Written by Brian Glanville, for 30 years football correspondent with the Sunday Times and read by commentator and former footballer, Bob Wilson, this three-CD/four-cassette set gives an authoritative account of the history of the tournament and should provide a fascinating accompaniment to the action in Japan and South Korea. Along with the set comes a bonus CD or tape featuring Sir Bobby Charlton’s Reminiscences - also well balanced novel with skillfully developed characters. It is certainly worth a listen, especially for those who still hark back to that 1966 World Cup!”
Digital Rights Information
OverDrive MP3 Audiobook
Burn to CD:
Permitted
Transfer to device:
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Transfer to Apple® device:
Permitted
Public performance:
Not permitted
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Peer-to-peer usage:
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All copies of this title, including those transferred to portable devices and other media, must be deleted/destroyed at the end of the lending period.
