In the realm of football memorabilia, few items capture the essence of a bygone era quite like The Topical Times Football Book 1962-63. This hardbound time capsule offers modern readers a fascinating glimpse into English football during a period when the domestic game was reaching new heights of popularity.
The annual's grey boards house a treasure trove of black and white photography, with the dust jacket's back cover featuring the legendary Johnny Haynes leading England against Portugal at Wembley – a fitting choice given Haynes' status as England's first £100-per-week player. The book's comprehensive coverage spans all four divisions of English football, plus Scottish football, making it an invaluable resource for both historians and nostalgic fans alike.
What sets this edition apart is its meticulous documentation of a transformative season in British football. Liverpool's Second Division championship triumph under Bill Shankly marked the beginning of their rise to dominance, while Tottenham's FA Cup victory continued their golden era under Bill Nicholson. The inclusion of Burnley, then a major force in English football, as First Division runners-up and FA Cup finalists, reminds us how much the football landscape has changed.
The book's detailed index of player images proves particularly valuable for genealogical research, offering families a chance to locate relatives who played professionally during this era. Team photos of clubs like Leyton Orient, Millwall, and Portsmouth provide a comprehensive snapshot of professional football across all divisions, while the inclusion of Scottish giants Rangers and Celtic adds depth to its coverage of the British game.
This particular copy, while showing signs of its 60-year journey, has been expertly preserved. The original grey boards remain clean, and the internal pages maintain their crispness – a testament to the quality of the original printing. Despite the dust jacket displaying signs of wear and tear, such as a repaired tear and a price clipping (originally priced at 8/6p), Soccerbooks' professional restoration and archival dust jacket system have guaranteed its longevity.
At £55, this restored copy represents more than just a book – it's a preserved piece of football history. For collectors, historians, or those simply passionate about the beautiful game's heritage, The Topical Times Football Book 1962-63 offers an authentic window into a defining era of British football. The extensive collection of team photos, including Arsenal, Aston Villa, Blackburn Rovers, and West Ham United, makes this annual an essential reference work and a tangible connection to football's past, making it a worthy addition to any serious football literature collection.
The edition now protected with Archival Dust Jacket Protection
