The Topical Times Football Book 1959-60 (B)

In an era when football was transforming from a working-class pastime into a global phenomenon, The Topical Times Football Book served as an essential chronicle of the beautiful game. The 1959-60 edition stands as a fascinating time capsule of British and European football at the twilight of the 1950s.
The annual opens with Bobby Charlton's youthful face on the dust wrapper – a prescient choice, as he would later become one of football's most legendary figures. The back cover features Kilmarnock's goalkeeper Jimmy Brown, a nice touch recognising Scottish football's significance in the era.
The book's 126 pages offer a comprehensive snapshot of football's golden age. Team photographs capture the triumphant sides of the day: Wolves as First Division champions, Nottingham Forest celebrating their FA Cup victory, and Rangers dominating Scottish football. The inclusion of Real Madrid content speaks to the growing internationalisation of the sport, as the Spanish giants were then establishing their European dynasty.
What makes this annual particularly valuable is its broad coverage of British football across all divisions and regions. The book comprehensively depicts the football landscape, from Glenavon's Irish Cup triumph to St Mirren's Scottish Cup victory. The mixture of colour and monochrome photographs, though technically modest by today's standards, captures the raw energy and authenticity of 1950s football.
The editorial content follows the classic annual format – a blend of articles, quizzes, and illustrations that would have kept young fans entertained through many a winter evening. Today, these features serve as invaluable insights into how football was perceived and consumed in the late 1950s.
For collectors and football historians alike, this edition represents more than just a book – it's a perfectly preserved slice of sporting heritage. While many similar annuals have long since disappeared or fallen into disrepair, this volume stands as a testament to both the era it captured and the enduring appeal of football memorabilia.
Condition Report:
Condition Report: The grey boards retain their structural integrity with a noticeable brown stain at the top. The binding remains pleasantly tight, and the internal pages are clean and crisp – quite an achievement for a large-format annual of 66 years. The dustjacket shows its age with 3-4 chips and general wear, though it has served its protective purpose well over the decades. The original price of 8/6d remains unclipped. We've fitted the annual with archive Dust Jacket Sleeving, which significantly enhances its presentation. While not a pristine example, this represents a readable, complete copy of this sought-after annual, with the protective sleeve ensuring its preservation for years to come.
Rating: ★★★★★
A superb example of football literature from a pivotal era, made even more valuable by its exceptional condition and comprehensive coverage of the British and European game. The edition now protected with Archival Dust Jacket Sleeving