Newcastle United FC 1951-1972 Through the Pages of Charles Buchan's Football Monthly

Time machines don't exist, but this book comes close. Through the lens of Charles Buchan's Football Monthly—a pioneering publication that launched in September 1951—readers are transported to Newcastle United's golden era, when St. James' Park pulsed with magic and Wembley trips were practically an annual tradition.
The timing of this compilation couldn't be more perfect. It begins in 1951, capturing the club at its most dominant, when the Magpies were FA Cup royalty. The photographs and articles paint a vivid portrait of an era when Jackie Milburn was setting records that would stand for decades—including his famous 45-second goal in the 1955 FA Cup final that remained the fastest Wembley final goal until 1997.
What makes this book special is its authenticity. These aren't retrospective pieces written with the benefit of hindsight—they're contemporary accounts from one of football's most respected publications. The coverage of players like Jimmy Scoular, a tough-tackling, precisely passing midfielder, feels immediate and real, capturing the electricity of match days and the personalities that made this period so memorable.
The photographic content deserves special mention. In an age before color television and instant replays, these images were how most fans outside Newcastle experienced their heroes. They're not just action shots—they're historical documents, freezing moments of jubilation, determination, and occasionally heartbreak.
Where the book truly excels is in its comprehensive coverage of the transition periods. From the glory days of the early '50s through the changes of the '60s and into the early '70s, readers witness the evolution of not just Newcastle United, but football itself. The articles from Charles Buchan's magazine—which reached peak sales of over 100,000—provide context and commentary that help modern readers understand the significance of each moment.
For Newcastle supporters, this is more than just a coffee table book—it's a family album of sorts, documenting their club's proudest era. For football historians and enthusiasts of the beautiful game, it's a window into a time when football was transforming into the modern sport we know today.
The only minor criticism might be that some readers could wish for more extensive captions or modern commentary to provide additional context to the original articles. However, this would arguably detract from the book's greatest strength: its ability to transport readers directly to the moment, unfiltered by modern perspectives.
This collection is a masterclass in sports archival work, preserving not just the facts and figures but the feeling of an era when Newcastle United were cup giants and St. James' Park was the theater of dreams. For anyone with black and white in their veins—or simply a love for football history—this book is an essential addition to their collection.
ROYAL MAIL TRACKED 48 
Published: November 21, 2021
Price: £19.99
Hardcover: 190 pages