West Ham United F.C. 1951-1976: Through the Pages of Charles Buchan's Football Monthly

For football history enthusiasts and West Ham United supporters alike, this collection offers a fascinating window into a transformative period in the club's history, as seen through the lens of what was once proudly proclaimed as "the greatest soccer magazine in the world.".
The book's timeframe couldn't be more perfect, capturing West Ham's golden era. This period saw the club achieve promotion to the top division in 1958, win their first FA Cup in 1964, and claim the European Cup Winners' Cup in 1965. The coverage extends through to their second FA Cup triumph in 1975, offering readers a front-row seat to the club's most successful decades.
What makes this compilation particularly special is its source material. Charles Buchan's Football Monthly, launched in September 1951, wasn't just another sports magazine. Charles Buchan, who also co-founded the Football Writers' Association, founded it, setting the standard for football journalism in its era. The magazine's commitment to high-quality photography and in-depth articles set it apart from its contemporaries.
The full-colour reproduction of these articles preserves the authentic feel of the original magazine, allowing readers to experience how these historic moments were presented to fans at the time. The writing style, advertisements, and photography all capture the essence of football journalism in post-war Britain, making it akin to opening a time capsule. 
Particularly valuable are the contemporary accounts of West Ham's evolution from a Second Division side to cup specialists. The book chronicles the emergence of key players and the tactical innovations that defined the team's style during this period. For West Ham supporters, it's an opportunity to relive (or discover for the first time) the club's glory days through the eyes of journalists who were there to witness it.
However, potential readers should note that this isn't a conventional narrative history. Instead, it's a curated collection of contemporary articles, which means the coverage can sometimes feel episodic rather than comprehensive. But in many ways, this adds to its charm and historical value; these are snapshots of how events were perceived at the time, not retrospective analysis. 
The book serves multiple audiences: it's a valuable resource for football historians, a nostalgic journey for older fans who might remember reading the original magazines, and an enlightening collection for younger supporters wanting to understand their club's heritage. The full-colour format does justice to the original publication's renowned photographic content, making it both a reference work and a coffee table book. 
For its targeted readership, the book is an essential addition to their football library. It not only documents the history of West Ham United but also preserves an important piece of football journalism history through the pages of Charles Buchan's influential monthly magazine.
A must-have for West Ham United supporters and football history enthusiasts, offering a unique perspective on a golden era through the lens of period journalism. 
ROYAL MAIL TRACKED 48
Published: November 18, 2024
Price: £19.99
Paperback: 170 pages
ISBN-10: 1068565128
ISBN-13: 978-1068565120
Dimensions: 154 x 236 (mm)