Sunderland AFC. 1951-1973 : Through The Pages of Charles Buchan's Football Monthly

This meticulously curated collection offers football enthusiasts a fascinating window into two pivotal decades of Sunderland AFC's history, as chronicled through the pages of what was once Britain's premier football publication. The timing of this compilation is particularly poignant, spanning from the magazine's inception in 1951 to perhaps Sunderland's greatest modern triumph—their famous 1973 FA Cup victory over Leeds United.
What makes this collection especially valuable is its source material. Charles Buchan's Football Monthly wasn't just another sports magazine; it was revolutionary for its time. Launched in September 1951, when football coverage was limited to brief newspaper reports, it brought unprecedented depth and insight to football journalism. Buchan's storied history with Sunderland—scoring an incredible 209 league goals for the club—adds an extra layer of authenticity to the coverage.
The full-color reproductions do justice to the original magazine's pioneering use of photography and illustration. Each article serves as both a historical document and a time capsule, capturing not just the matches and players, but the changing face of football and society during this transformative period. From the relative prosperity of the 1950s through to the gritty triumph of 1973, when Sunderland, then a Second Division club, achieved the unthinkable by defeating Don Revie's mighty Leeds United.
The book's chronological arrangement allows readers to trace the club's journey through various highs and lows, with the articles providing contemporary perspectives rather than retrospective analysis. This approach offers something unique—the ability to experience these moments as they were perceived at the time, free from the distorting lens of hindsight.
What's particularly striking is how the writing style evolves over the two decades, reflecting the changing nature of sports journalism. The formal, almost reverential tone of the 1950s gradually gives way to more dynamic and intimate reporting as the years progress. The reproduction quality ensures that every detail, from the typography to the photographic grain, is preserved with remarkable fidelity.
However, the publication isn't just a book for Sunderland supporters. It's a valuable resource for anyone interested in the evolution of football journalism or mid-20th-century British sport in general. The articles provide insight into how the game was played, reported, and consumed during a period that shaped modern football.
While the book excels in its presentation of historical material, some readers might wish for more contemporary commentary to provide context to the reprinted articles. Nevertheless, this absence allows the original reports to speak for themselves, preserving their authenticity and allowing readers to draw their own conclusions.
For Sunderland supporters, this collection is nothing short of essential—a tangible connection to some of the club's most significant moments. For others, it's a fascinating glimpse into how one of football's most respected publications chronicled the beautiful game during two decades of tremendous change, both in football and society at large.
This well-produced compilation serves as both a valuable historical document and a fitting tribute to one of football's most influential publications. It's a reminder of how the game was covered before the age of instant analysis and social media, when monthly magazines were vital links between clubs and their supporters.
ROYAL MAIL TRACKED 48 
Published: November 1, 2021
Price: £19.99
Hardcover: 180 pages