Tales of South American Football: Passion, Revolution and Glory. Book Presentation

Abstract

This is a book written by a Brazilian-born Australian education and humanities academic where he writes about his passion, football, in his homeland and the continent to which he belongs. Exquisitely researched and written, the book captures the elegance of star players and the visceral struggles in South American societies, describing the social and political context of football on the continent, where the beautiful game is a force that divides and unites people. The backdrop of volatile politics, oppression and inequality on the continent is painted behind vignettes of football matches, players, politicians, and the sport itself. Each tale in the book manages to capture the heat, both political and literal, in its descriptions of Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Bolivia, Chile and Uruguay, their beautiful games and their beautiful players. Tales of South American Football weaves the fabric of culture and sport into 13 chapters that offer the reader a path into the modern history and social realities of the region. Football is on every page. It is glorious, passionate and at times revolutionary.