The Defiant: A History of Football Against Fascism

A fantastic read! It's entertaining, interesting and informative. The history and stories behind some of these clubs and players in their fight against fascism is superbly told. The Italian and Latin America chapters are brilliantly researched and well told. I recommend this book to any football fan regardless of the league you support. Culture, history, football and politics, what more could you ask for! Fantastic!

On the basis of few reviews to date, one which claims that the text is ‘deeply researched’ is questionable. I’m not convinced by such a characterisation of this publication, given previous texts that I have read, for example, ‘Ultras’ by Tobias Jones. Much of the information on the Italy chapter, I have previously read, so it appears to be a recycling of previously published information. The section on Britain contained information on non-league clubs as a total contrast (to Italy), which was very niche, to me at least. I think it depends where you start and your own points of reference in terms of interest, knowledge and lived experience. I’m almost 60 and was a initiate of the English terraces in the early 70s, so have witnessed many incidents that aren’t remotely referenced within the context of a wider scale. A useful contribution to interested parties, but to describe it as ‘deeply researched’ is questionable. Nevertheless, any text which broaches the complex interplay between football and lived politics is commendable. Particularly in these polarised times.

Info.

Surprised that the larger clubs in uk and their activities were not represented. Missed opportunity. Good read nonetheless

A deeply researched and compelling tale of how our beautiful game is hijacked by dark forces that fail to see the joy the game engenders. A superb read.