Helpful Score: 1
This book is probably the most comprehensive English language account of the history of Spanish Football (Soccer), ever. Ball, an Englishman, has lived in Spain for many years and is a regular columnist for ESPN. For those looking for more of the witty writing he is known for, this book has it in spades, and it is also packed with well researched information. While the book is primarily a historical account, the author spends considerable effort exploring the socio-political rivalries that make the Spanish game so interesting.
'Morbo' is one of the best books about football ever written. It's particularly important because it helps explain the savage hatred most other Spanish fans, particularly those in Barcelona, feel toward the eternal representatives of Fascism, Real Madrid. The club of dictator, Francisco Franco, Real Madrid are probably the most famous and successful team in history, able, because of the Alcaldé's power, to filch any good player they desired from other teams. There's also a lot of valuable stuff about Spain, Spanish football history and why it's different to that of other countries. The author, Phil Ball, knows how to tell a very engaging, complex story well. This book is not one to be passed on. Definitely a winner of the Golden Tapas 'Explaining Spain' award! It's a keeper!!!
