
Here's a collection of poems about goals, fans, yobs, cheers, fouls, boots, scarves, crowds, strips. You'll also see falling stars, blind referees, magic sponges, dream teams, fizzy drinks, wet Saturdays, hairless half-backs, and a game of two halves.This is a thought-provoking as well as an entertaining book, and includes a number of reflective poems, dealing with some of the more serious issues in football. Most of the poems have been specially written for this collection.
This collection of poems captures the multifaceted experience of football, ranging from the excitement of the match to the darker realities of the sport. The poems explore the perspective of fans, players, and officials, utilizing a variety of rhythmic structures to mirror the pace of the game. The narrative framework shifts between lighthearted observations of stadium culture and reflective pieces on the social and personal consequences of the sport. The work operates within the physical constraints of the pitch and the emotional landscape of the terraces.
Readers frequently highlight the accessibility of the poems, noting that they effectively bridge the gap between casual sports interest and literary appreciation. Discussion often centers on the balance between the humorous, lighthearted verses and the more somber, reflective pieces that address serious issues within the sport. Critics observe that the collection succeeds in capturing the specific atmosphere of football culture without relying on overly complex jargon. The pacing of the book is noted for its variety, moving quickly between short, punchy observations and longer, more contemplative works. This collection is often cited as a successful attempt to document the cultural significance of football through verse.
Page Count:
128
Publication Date:
2000-02-01
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
ISBN-10:
0192762206
ISBN-13:
9780192762207
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