|
How Soccer Explains the World: An Unlikely Theory of Globalization |  | Author: Franklin Foer
Publisher: Harper Perennial
Category: Book
List Price: $13.99
Buy Used: $0.39
as of 9/10/2010 11:00 MDT details
You Save: $13.60 (97%)
New (51) Used (168) from $0.39
Seller: snowlionbooks
Rating:  104 reviews
Sales Rank: 142061
Media: Paperback
Pages: 272
Number Of Items: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.7
Dimensions (in): 7.9 x 5 x 0.8
ISBN: 0060731427
Dewey Decimal Number: 327.1
EAN: 9780060731427
ASIN: 0060731427
Publication Date: July 1, 2005
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
| |
| Features:
| • | ISBN13: 9780060731427 | | • | Condition: New | | • | Notes: BUY WITH CONFIDENCE, Over one million books sold! 98% Positive feedback. Compare our books, prices and service to the competition. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed |
|
| Also Available In:
|
| Similar Items:
| |
| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
Soccer is much more than a game, or even a way of life. It is a perfect window into the cross–currents of today's world, with all its joys and its sorrows. In this remarkably insightful, wide–ranging work of reportage, Franklin Foer takes us on a surprising tour through the world of soccer, shining a spotlight on the clash of civilizations, the international economy, and just about everything in between. How Soccer Explains the World is an utterly original book that makes sense of our troubled times.
Amazon.com Review
The global power of soccer might be a little hard for Americans, living in a country that views the game with the same skepticism used for the metric system and the threat of killer bees, to grasp fully. But in Europe, South America, and elsewhere, soccer is not merely a pastime but often an expression of the social, economic, political, and racial composition of the communities that host both the teams and their throngs of enthusiastic fans. New Republic editor Franklin Foer, a lifelong devotee of soccer dating from his own inept youth playing days to an adulthood of obsessive fandom, examines soccer's role in various cultures as a means of examining the reach of globalization. Foer's approach is long on soccer reportage, providing extensive history and fascinating interviews on the Rangers-Celtic rivalry and the inner workings of AC Milan, and light on direct discussion of issues like world trade and the exportation of Western culture. But by creating such a compelling narrative of soccer around the planet, Foer draws the reader into these sport-mad societies, and subtly provides the explanations he promises in chapters with titles like "How Soccer Explains the New Oligarchs", "How Soccer Explains Islam's Hope", and "How Soccer Explains the Sentimental Hooligan." Foer's own passion for the game gives his book an infectious energy but still pales in comparison to the religious fervor of his subjects. His portraits of legendary hooligans in Serbia and Britain, in particular, make the most die-hard roughneck New York Yankees fan look like a choirboy in comparison. Beyond the thugs, Foer also profiles Nigerian players living in the Ukraine, Iranian women struggling against strict edicts to attend matches, and the parallel worlds of Brazilian soccer and politics from which Pele emerged and returned. Foer posits that globalization has eliminated neither local cultural identities nor violent hatred among fans of rival teams, and it has not washed out local businesses in a sea of corporate wealth nor has it quelled rampant local corruption. Readers with an interest in international economics are sure to like How Soccer Explains the World, but soccer fans will love it. --John Moe
|
| Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 1-5 of 104
 its the globalization, not the soccer October 22, 2004
K. W. Sonneman (Winona, MN, USA)
6 out of 8 found this review helpful
Americans, even those who follow soccer, are going to miss the point of this book. It is primarily about globalization and not simply about soccer. Soccer simply makes the case more interesting. This book fits well with stories coming out of the European football championship this summer. These stories commented on the rabid nationalism that accompanies national teams in such a championship, while at the same time noting that those attending used the common currency and shared the freedom of travel found within the EU. Another feature of this was the fact that so many of the players competing against each other for national teams are teammates on top club sides through out Europe. This is a function of the rules of trade within the EU, as any American footballer trying to get a work permit there knows. It also will be viewed as alien by Americans who view life through the prism of the NFL. Foer's point is that the globalization of soccer football, including the conflicts as well as breakouts, is matching the globalization occuring in other ways thoroughout the world. Foer's book should be read along side material such as Robert Cooper's The Breaking of Nations, rather than the sports stories which which it is being compared. It should be read by Americans who want to understand the world beyond our own shores.
For any soccer fan... May 29, 2007
C. Niedfeldt (Chicago, IL)
As a follower of the Bundesliga, the stories and histories of the other leagues in Europe were fascinating! I especially enjoyed the Celtic/Ranger and Barca/Real stories that provided a much needed context to why these are two of the biggest rivalries in sports today. The political influence of some of these clubs is something to read...that power just doesn't occur here in the states. Overall, I thought the book was a great read for the new or casual fan, as well as the long time super-fan. A must read!
How Soccer Explains the World January 7, 2008
Susan B. Goodridge (Newtown, CT)
My 16 year old son lit up when he saw this book under the tree at Christmas (pretty good for a child who would rather do anything but read)...He is reading daily and absolutely loves it!!!! He has a list of friends and coaches waiting to read it next. A great find for any soccer player or athlete....
A great read January 12, 2008
Robert Vanarsdall (Silver Spring, MD USA)
A great book that displays the link between soccer and culture. Sport, and its relevence to history is reflected on every page of this book. Truly a great read for those of us who like to see "the big picture" of sport, how it is influenced by, and how it influences, society
Fun, Fascinating. March 14, 2008
Matthew A. Moore
This guy has such interesting insights. The writing is just random enough to keep you always interested, but still packs in real info to help understand cultures around the world and the world of football / soccer.
Showing reviews 1-5 of 104
|
|
|
CERTAIN CONTENT THAT APPEARS ON THIS SITE COMES FROM AMAZON SERVICES LLC. THIS CONTENT IS PROVIDED ‘AS IS’ AND IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR REMOVAL AT ANY TIME. | |
