While researching and writing my blog, I have read more than my fair share of books about Arsenal in the 80s and 90s. I'd read pretty much anything on the subject, but here are my top ten:
Nothing could be written as beautifully as the Dutch master played football. But this is a pretty good effort.
3. A Life in Football by Ian Wright
Wright's first book was a fascinating insight into his early life and how he got into top flight football via an unconventional route. His second builds on that fascinating story, and covers the rest of his career, both on the pitch and in the TV studio. Also available as an audiobook on Audible, where for a limited time you can get three months membership for 99p.
4. It's Only Ray Parlour's Autobiography: The Romford Pele
Parlour's book is insightful but also full of laughs. Any book with a chapter titled: 'What are you doing here Igors?' is worthy of any Arsenal fan's attention. Also available as an audiobook on Audible, where for a limited time you can get three months membership for 99p.
An excellent follow up to the 89 film. First-hand accounts of Arsenal's most famous game from players, fans and club staff. Also available as an audiobook on Audible, where for a limited time you can get three months membership for 99p.
There are plenty of excellent reads on Arsenal in the 1980s and 90s that didn't make this list. George Graham's autobiography is worth a read, as is Paul Merson's, and Almost Invincible is a satisfyingly in-depth account of Arsenal's 1990-91 season. You can find articles about Tony Adams, Ian Wright, Perry Groves and many more elsewhere on this blog.
Five of the best Arsenal audiobooks
A comprehensive review of Henry's career, analysing both the man and the player. Insightful, with some surprising criticisms and observations.
Read my full review here.
7. Heads Up by Alan Smith
Smudger had an incredibly successful career with Arsenal, but is modest about his achievements. This book covers both the highs and the lows - refreshingly without the help of a ghost writer.
A collection of fascinating stories from players and fans, for whom Highbury was home for over 80 years. Very well written and researched.
Read my full review here.
9. Sober by Tony Adams
The follow up to the excellent Addicted continues Adams' remarkable story. Never a dull moment.
Entertaining and light-hearted - like the man himself. Full of anecdotes and insights into the Arsenal dressing room of the late 1980s.
10. We All Live in a Perry Groves World by Perry Groves
There are plenty of excellent reads on Arsenal in the 1980s and 90s that didn't make this list. George Graham's autobiography is worth a read, as is Paul Merson's, and Almost Invincible is a satisfyingly in-depth account of Arsenal's 1990-91 season. You can find articles about Tony Adams, Ian Wright, Perry Groves and many more elsewhere on this blog.