A Review of "Turf Wars"
Steve Tongue's "Turf Wars: A History of London Football" isn't just another sports book it's a masterful cartography of how football shaped London, and how London shaped football. As someone who witnessed his first match at Leyton Orient in 1957, Tongue brings both the seasoned journalist's eye for detail and the local boy's deep-rooted passion to this compelling chronicle.
The book's premise is deceptively simple: tell the story of football in London. But like the city itself, the narrative reveals layers of complexity, rivalry, and transformation. Tongue starts with the founding of the Football Association in 1863, positioning London as football's legislative birthplace. From there, he charts how the capital's clubs evolved from local amateur teams to global sporting institutions.
What sets "Turf Wars" apart is its exploration of the geographic and social forces that created London's football landscape. The rise of Arsenal, Tottenham, Chelsea, and West Ham forms the book's backbone, but Tongue doesn't neglect the smaller clubs that give London football its distinctive character. He explores forgotten territories and defunct teams, depicting a city where football allegiances often surpass familial ties.
The author's background as a broadcaster and journalist serves him well. The author adeptly blends scholarly research with captivating storytelling in his writing. When discussing Arsenal's controversial move from Woolwich to North London or the early rivalries between Chelsea and Fulham, Tongue provides context that helps readers understand how these century-old decisions still influence modern rivalries.
Particularly fascinating is the book's treatment of how London's clubs challenged the northern dominance of English football. This wasn't just about sporting success – it was about the capital asserting itself in a game that had been shaped by industrial towns. Tongue shows how London's teams developed their own playing styles and cultures, distinct from their northern counterparts.
At 320 pages, the book is substantial but never feels bloated. Each chapter moves with purpose, whether covering the formation of the London Football Association or the modern era's financial transformations. Tongue's ability to weave together statistical information, historical anecdotes, and cultural observation keeps the narrative flowing.
The book's few shortcomings are minor. Some readers might want more detailed coverage of the modern era, particularly the impact of foreign ownership on London clubs. Additionally, while the book touches on women's football, this aspect of London's football history could have been explored more thoroughly.
These are small quibbles in what is otherwise an essential addition to football literature. "Turf Wars" succeeds not just as a sports book but as a social history of London itself. It shows how football grounds became community anchors, how rivalries reflected neighbourhood boundaries, and how the sport helped integrate waves of immigrants into London life.
For anyone interested in football history, urban studies, or simply the rich tapestry of London life, "Turf Wars" offers invaluable insights. Tongue has produced what will likely stand as the definitive text on London football history, managing to be both authoritative and thoroughly entertaining.
Like London itself, "Turf Wars" is a magnificent sprawl of stories, characters, and conflicts, all carefully organised into a compelling narrative that reminds us why football remains the city's most enduring passion. It's not just a history of London football – it's a history of London through football, and that makes all the difference.
The book's premise is deceptively simple: tell the story of football in London. But like the city itself, the narrative reveals layers of complexity, rivalry, and transformation. Tongue starts with the founding of the Football Association in 1863, positioning London as football's legislative birthplace. From there, he charts how the capital's clubs evolved from local amateur teams to global sporting institutions.
What sets "Turf Wars" apart is its exploration of the geographic and social forces that created London's football landscape. The rise of Arsenal, Tottenham, Chelsea, and West Ham forms the book's backbone, but Tongue doesn't neglect the smaller clubs that give London football its distinctive character. He explores forgotten territories and defunct teams, depicting a city where football allegiances often surpass familial ties.
The author's background as a broadcaster and journalist serves him well. The author adeptly blends scholarly research with captivating storytelling in his writing. When discussing Arsenal's controversial move from Woolwich to North London or the early rivalries between Chelsea and Fulham, Tongue provides context that helps readers understand how these century-old decisions still influence modern rivalries.
Particularly fascinating is the book's treatment of how London's clubs challenged the northern dominance of English football. This wasn't just about sporting success – it was about the capital asserting itself in a game that had been shaped by industrial towns. Tongue shows how London's teams developed their own playing styles and cultures, distinct from their northern counterparts.
At 320 pages, the book is substantial but never feels bloated. Each chapter moves with purpose, whether covering the formation of the London Football Association or the modern era's financial transformations. Tongue's ability to weave together statistical information, historical anecdotes, and cultural observation keeps the narrative flowing.
The book's few shortcomings are minor. Some readers might want more detailed coverage of the modern era, particularly the impact of foreign ownership on London clubs. Additionally, while the book touches on women's football, this aspect of London's football history could have been explored more thoroughly.
These are small quibbles in what is otherwise an essential addition to football literature. "Turf Wars" succeeds not just as a sports book but as a social history of London itself. It shows how football grounds became community anchors, how rivalries reflected neighbourhood boundaries, and how the sport helped integrate waves of immigrants into London life.
For anyone interested in football history, urban studies, or simply the rich tapestry of London life, "Turf Wars" offers invaluable insights. Tongue has produced what will likely stand as the definitive text on London football history, managing to be both authoritative and thoroughly entertaining.
Like London itself, "Turf Wars" is a magnificent sprawl of stories, characters, and conflicts, all carefully organised into a compelling narrative that reminds us why football remains the city's most enduring passion. It's not just a history of London football – it's a history of London through football, and that makes all the difference.