In an era when football was emerging from the shadows of World War II, Bert "The Cat" Williams - Wolverhampton Wanderers' legendary goalkeeper - assembled what would become one of the most visually striking and insightful football books of its time.
What immediately sets this book apart is its groundbreaking use of photography. The full-page colorized photographs represent a fascinating moment in sports publishing history, utilizing a specialized technique of the late 1940s. Shot with large format cameras, these plates were meticulously hand-tinted, creating an almost ethereal quality that bridges the gap between photography and art. The attention to detail, from added footballs to enhanced crowd scenes, offers modern readers a unique window into how the beautiful game was visualized during this pivotal period.
The book's content is equally impressive as its visuals. Williams curated contributions from an all-star lineup of post-war football personalities, including Leslie Compton, Raich Carter, and Joe Harvey. These aren't mere passing comments but detailed articles that tackle contemporary football issues with remarkable candor. The "verbatim conversation pieces" between players offer particularly fascinating insights into the tactical and psychological aspects of the game as it was played in 1950.
Published at a time when English football was entering a golden age (just three years before England's shocking defeat to Hungary would revolutionize tactical thinking), this book captures a crucial transition period. The writing style reflects the era's formality while maintaining an accessible approach that, as promised, "appeals to everyone."
For modern readers, the book serves multiple purposes: it's simultaneously a coaching manual, a historical document, and a work of art. The "up-to-the-minute topics" of 1950 now provide fascinating comparisons with modern football, showing both how much and how little has changed in the sport.
As a piece of football literature, this book holds significant value not just for its content but for its pioneering publishing techniques. The large-format photography and hand-tinting process place it in the same category as the celebrated "Big Book of Football Champions" and Charles Buchan's publications - all now highly sought after by collectors.
Bert Williams' All Star Football Book stands as more than just a football manual - it's a beautifully crafted time capsule of post-war English football. The combination of expert insights, innovative photography, and historical significance makes it an essential piece for any serious football literature collection.
