Book Review: ‘Seventy-One Guns'

As with most football books it's the subject rather than the quality that prompts one to read or buy it initially. My bookshelves currently house well in excess of fifty ‘Arsenal' titles, many of which are unfortunately just a bland regurgitation of facts and events written somewhat indifferently. In fact I'd go as far as to say that less than one in five could be described as a well crafted book.

With ‘Seventy-One Guns' however David Tossell has produced a beautifully crafted, highly entertaining labour of love that recaptures, not only the tension, flavour and feeling of the era, but also fills in a sufficiency of background on rivals and major characters. It had me blissfully reliving many a moment of jubilation whilst also prompting recollections of pent-up animosity. Arsenal fans of that era will relate to the hostility immediately as there is an entire generation for whom the words ‘Revie' and ‘Bremner' cause veins to throb and teeth to grind. The author relates perfectly to this element of our '71 double season by drawing these old enemies plus other rivals into the story line.

Carefully constructed, dutifully researched, packed with irresistible quotes and some classic throwaway lines the book draws concise pictures of every principle character involved in the fulfilment of Arsenal's first double. What, for me, elevates this book to being one of the best ever Arsenal titles is the extensive interviews with Arsenal players and staff that offer fresh nuances on events and personnel for that wondrous season. The seemingly wholehearted co-operation of many members of that team is delightfully evident throughout the text. Some of the quotes are fabulous but I won't list any here for fear of pre-empting your pleasure. If you doubt me just pick up a copy and read the quotes displayed on the back cover and then remember that I told you they're not, for me at least, even the best quotes in the book.

If you know any Gooner who's over forty-years-old you absolutely must buy them a copy for Christmas, it'll be the best present they'll get by far. If you just want to know on what the modern Arsenal dynasty is based look no further. If you want a rollicking good read about an incredible bunch of players who gave their all for Arsenal and surpassed themselves rush out and buy it now.

Bob Wilson, who kept goal in every game that season, wrote the forward and if you purchase ‘Seventy-one Guns' you will be contributing to Bob's very worthy ‘Willow Foundation' via the author's royalties. Reasonable proof I feel that the title was written by a genuine Gooner who wrote not to make a fast buck but because he just felt compelled to write a book that deserved to be written. The author still recalls his first match at Highbury, a reserve game against Coventry since you ask, he is a child of the North Bank who worshipped Liam Brady and Willie Young and who nowadays happily joins his two eldest daughters in the family enclosure.

Further to being an Arsenal fan David Tossell also admits to being something of an anorak about 70's football. I for one am very grateful that he is, because this book deserved to be written and with his extensive knowledge of the era he's done a superb job worthy of that great side.

‘Seventy-One Guns' by David Tossell - published 12th. September 2002 by Mainstream Books - price £15.99

Any decent bookshop will order it in for you if you quote the following reference: ISBN 1 84018 589 9

The Arsenal Fanzine Stall not far from Arsenal Tube Station in Gillespie Road will be selling this title on matchdays for £14.50, or you can order on the web from Sportspages or Amazon

Brian Dawes