From ancient ball games, which were the direct ancestors of the modern game, via the establishment of official rules in a London pub in 1863 to the present day, this comprehensive book celebrates the richness, diversity and extraordinary history of association football. The laws of the game, styles of play, stadia, media, money and politics are all discussed in this wide-ranging and fascinating study of the noble game. It is fully illustrated throughout with a large number of rare and unusual images of players, fans, venues, historical occasions and memorabilia. It is complete with special interviews with a number of the game's top personalities, past and present, including Pele, Maradona and Beckenbauer.