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Black Diamonds and the Blue Brazil NEW EDITION Ron Ferguson

Black Diamonds and the Blue Brazil NEW EDITION By Ron Ferguson

Black Diamonds and the Blue Brazil NEW EDITION by Ron Ferguson


$12.99
Condition - Very Good
6 in stock

Summary

Moving, laugh-out-loud funny, spiritually uplifting and beautifully written, Black Diamonds and the Blue Brazil is about football, journalism, politics, religion, tragedy and community spirit, seen through the eyes of a dedicated supporter of one of British football's least successful clubs.

Black Diamonds and the Blue Brazil NEW EDITION Summary

Black Diamonds and the Blue Brazil NEW EDITION: A Chronicle of Coal, Cowdenbeath and Football by Ron Ferguson

21 years after its publication, a new edition is being published with updated text and new chapters as well as a new Introduction, written by one of the book's many fans and the biggest name in British football, Sir Alex Ferguson. But this is a book about much, much more than football It is loved not only by Sir Alex but also by Gordon Brown, Alistair Campbell, Ian Rankin and the Rev Kathy Galloway and it was a huge favourite of poet, George Mackay Brown. So why have the trials and tribulations of Cowdenbeath football club - one of the most unsuccessful football clubs in Britain - excited the imagination even of those who have no interest in football and who have never been to Cowdenbeath? Cowdenbeath's story is set against the rise and decline of the local mining industry and the life after mining. It is very funny, deeply spiritual, moving and also a little bit political. But what makes it so interesting to so many groups is the uplifting story of a real community spirit throughout all of the ups and downs of a town and a football club that is at its social heart and core. It is also the most autobiographical book that Ron Ferguson has written, never taking himself very seriously. The book's quirkiness appeals across the religious, local, national, and footballing worlds. Long out of print, this is the new and updated 21st-anniversary edition.

Black Diamonds and the Blue Brazil NEW EDITION Reviews

Black Diamonds & the Blue Brazil is a terrific read. -- Sir Alex Ferguson
Black Diamonds is a tale of triumph, of love over logic. The reaction has been ecstatic. Diamonds is fast becoming a cult classic. * The Observer *
Every now and again, perhaps once every five years, a book is published which captures the elusive essence of the game of football...Black Diamonds and the Blue Brazil can stand comparison with the very best of football writing. * Scottish Football Historian *
Wonderfully written stuff, with a pawky humour that keeps the story bubbling along and the reader in rapt anticipation of the next delicious revelation...It's a wonderful read for a cold autumn weekend. -- John Maxwell * The Glasgow Herald *
Ron Ferguson's book is not only the story of a triumphantly doomed football club, but the sad and funny chronicle of Cowdenbeath itself. -- Kenneth Roy * Scotland on Sunday *
All the local stories that Ron Ferguson brought together in Black Diamonds and the Blue Brazil are themselves part of the richness of the decades of community life we celebrate -- Rt Hon Gordon Brown, MP
What I had not expected was to put this book down and for the first time in my life, feel a desire to actually go and watch a game of football. -- The Rev Kathy Galloway * The Coracle *
Stephen Fry once said of satirist Peter Cook that he was 'the funniest man who ever drew breath'. There's little doubt in my mind that Ron Ferguson is currently the funniest man drawing breath in Scotland. He may even be the funniest man ever to have emerged (unscathed) from Cowdenbeath...'Football and Fife, from a man who knows the struggles both have been through - pure dead brilliant' -- Ian Rankin
Black Diamonds is a powerful social commentary. And, clearly, its creation was a labour of love -- Alan Hutchison * The Scotsman *
Black Diamonds and the Blue Brazil is the work of a true craftsman in literature. I recommend it to the many readers who have never seen a football kicked in their lives. It certainly deserves to be a bestseller. -- George Mackay Brown

About Ron Ferguson

RON FERGUSON was shortlisted for the Saltire Best Scottish Research Book of the Year in 2011 for George Mackay Brown - The Wound & The Gift. He has a popular column in the Press & Journal and Life & Work and also writes for The Sunday Post and The Herald. He is a successful playwrite and is the former leader of the Iona Community and was minister for many years of St Magnus Cathedral on Orkney.

Additional information

GOR006145149
9780861538744
0861538749
Black Diamonds and the Blue Brazil NEW EDITION: A Chronicle of Coal, Cowdenbeath and Football by Ron Ferguson
Used - Very Good
Paperback
Saint Andrew Press
20140630
240
N/A
Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.
This is a used book - there is no escaping the fact it has been read by someone else and it will show signs of wear and previous use. Overall we expect it to be in very good condition, but if you are not entirely satisfied please get in touch with us

Customer Reviews - Black Diamonds and the Blue Brazil NEW EDITION