Celtic 1951-71: Through the Pages of Charles Buchan's Football Monthly

Time machines don't exist, but this remarkable compilation comes pretty close. Drawing from the rich archives of Charles Buchan's Football Monthly, this 2018 publication captures two decades of Celtic FC's history with a vividness that makes the past feel startlingly present.
The book chronicles Celtic's journey from 1951 to 1971, perhaps the most transformative period in the club's history. It's not just a football story—it's a snapshot of post-war Britain, where rationing was still fresh in memory and Saturday afternoons meant joining the shoulder-to-shoulder crowds at Paradise, Celtic's hallowed ground.
What makes this collection particularly special is its contemporaneous nature. These aren't retrospective accounts written with the benefit of hindsight—they're real-time reports, interviews, and photographs capturing Celtic's evolution as it happened. The authenticity bleeds through every page, from the grainy action shots to the earnest interviews with players who would later become legends.
The book's chronological journey takes us through several pivotal eras. We start in the challenging early 1950s, following Jimmy McGrory's tenure, through to the revolutionary period under Jock Stein, who transformed Celtic from a struggling giant into European champions. The coverage of Sean Fallon, Bobby Collins, and Billy McNeill isn't mere hero worship—it's journalism from when these titans were still writing their legends.
Particularly fascinating is how the book captures Celtic's tactical evolution. Through detailed match reports and tactical analyses from Buchan's monthly, readers can trace how Celtic's playing style developed from the traditional Scottish game to the more modern, dynamic approach that would eventually conquer Europe in 1967.
The photography deserves a special mention. These aren't the polished, digital images we're used to today. Instead, they're authentic black-and-white shots that capture the raw emotion of the era—muddy pitches, packed terraces, and players who looked like they'd just finished a shift at the shipyards. Each photograph tells its story, from the intense derby matches against Rangers to the triumphant European nights.
What sets this book apart is its ability to contextualize Celtic's sporting achievements within the broader social fabric of Glasgow and Scotland. The articles and interviews often touch upon the cultural significance of Celtic FC to its community, reflecting the profound bond between the club and its supporters during a period of significant social change.
However, readers should note that the present isn't a conventional narrative history. The book's structure, following the original magazine's format, means the story sometimes jumps between themes and timelines. While the format might initially feel disjointed, it actually adds to the authenticity—you’re not reading a modern interpretation of history but experiencing it as contemporary fans did.
For Celtic supporters, this book is more than just a collection of articles—it's a family album of sorts, documenting their club's journey through one of its most significant periods. For broader football enthusiasts, it provides invaluable insight into how the game evolved in post-war Britain, told through the lens of one of its most storied clubs.
At its heart, "Celtic 1951-71" is a reminder of football's power to unite and inspire. This book bears witness to a time when the art of football was arguably at its purest, prior to the emergence of commercial television and lucrative contracts. For anyone interested in Celtic FC, Scottish football history, or the cultural landscape of post-war Britain, this book is an essential addition to their library.

ROYAL MAIL Tracked: 48 
Published: November 23, 2018
Price: £16.99
Hardcover: 156 pages