International Football Book No.2

In an era when football was transitioning from a mere sport to a global phenomenon, the second edition of "The International Football Book for Boys" (1960) emerged as a remarkable chronicle of the beautiful game. This isn't just another sports annual—it's a cultural artifact that captures a pivotal moment in football history.
The book's greatest strength lies in its impressive roster of contributors. When Stanley Matthews, arguably the first global football superstar, receives a special tribute from his Blackpool and England teammates, you know you're holding something special. The inclusion of luminaries like Matt Busby, Johnny Carey, and Danny Blanchflower provides an unparalleled insider's view of British football at its most transformative period.
What sets this volume apart is its ambitious international scope. At a time when global football coverage was limited, the book features contributions from Real Madrid's legendary Alfredo di Stefano and Sweden's Agne Simonsson, offering rare insights into continental football. The three-part section on "Football Values" reflects the sport's growing importance in society, addressing the changing relationship between football and its fans.
The book's visual presentation is equally impressive, with over 100 photographs and illustrations that bring the era to life. As contemporary reviews noted—from the Yorkshire Evening News to The Scotsman—the combination of expert analysis, behind-the-scenes stories, and stunning imagery made this book "something to interest every fan—even Dad!"
Reading this book today, one is struck by its historical significance. Published just a few years before England's 1966 World Cup triumph, it captures British football on the cusp of modernization. The coverage of European Cup competitions, then still in their infancy, shows football's early steps toward the global entertainment juggernaut we know today.
While clearly marketed toward young readers ("for boys" in the title reflects the era's gender conventions), the depth of analysis and breadth of coverage made it appealing to fans of all ages. As the Bournemouth Evening Echo put it, it was "a grand Christmas present for any fan between nine and ninety."
Today, this book serves as more than just a football annual—it's a time capsule of a sport in transition, documented by the very people who were shaping its future. For modern readers, it offers a fascinating glimpse into how football was perceived, played, and celebrated during a defining period in its history.
The fact that publications from across Britain—from Glasgow to Southampton—unanimously praised its comprehensive coverage and enduring value speaks to its exceptional quality. More than six decades later, it remains a testament to an era when football writing could be both accessible and authoritative, popular and profound.
ROYAL MAIL TRACKED 48 
Published: October 31, 1960
Price: £50.00 
Hardcover: 160 pages

This rare collector's edition, published over 65 years ago, remains in exceptional condition. The book features pristine green cloth boards and a remarkably tight binding. All pages maintain their original brightness and cleanliness, free from any markings or inscriptions.
The dust jacket shows shelf wear and has a missing section; the top of the spine has now been professionally preserved in our archival protection sleeve. The original price of 12/6p remains intact on the unclipped jacket.
Given its immaculate preservation and historical significance, this volume represents a true collector's piece that would make a distinguished addition to any serious football literature collection.