The Boys Book of Soccer 1947

This rare sporting annual from 1947 offers a fascinating glimpse into the post-war world of football, when the beautiful game was rebuilding its prominence across Britain and beyond. Published at a time when soccer was cementing its place as the world's most popular sport, this volume serves both as a historical document and an engaging guide for young enthusiasts of the era.
The book combines educational content with entertainment, featuring a mix of black and white and color photographs of the period's football stars. Its comprehensive approach covers every aspect of the game through articles, stories, and interactive puzzles. What's particularly noteworthy is the book's stated mission - to help boys become not just skilled players, but valuable team members, emphasizing soccer's role in character development and social advancement.
The text's original message about soccer being "one of the greatest social advantages any boy can have" reflects the era's understanding of sport as a path to social mobility and career advancement "in any part of the world" - a remarkably forward-thinking perspective for 1947.
The copy currently available is in exceptional condition for its age. The blue boards remain spotless, and all pages maintain their original crispness within a tight binding. The dust jacket, still bearing its original price of 10/6d (unclipped), shows only minimal shelf wear with a few small chips. A printer's error resulted in slight fading on the inside covers, but this actually authenticates the book's vintage. Notably, the book is free from gift inscriptions, and the dust jacket has been professionally preserved with archival sleaving after careful cleaning.
As a piece of sporting literature from the immediate post-war period, this book represents more than just a soccer manual - it's a window into how sport was viewed as a tool for youth development and international understanding during a crucial period of recovery and reconstruction.
For collectors of sporting memorabilia or enthusiasts of football history, this remarkably well-preserved volume offers both historical significance and collection-worthy condition, making it a valuable addition to any serious sports literature collection.
Rating: 5/5 for historical significance and condition