A while back I complied a list of my top ten books about Arsenal in the 1980s and 90s. Inevitably, that was followed by lots of recommendations from readers of the blog, pointing out some great books I'd missed.
So, having caught up on a few more classics, here are ten more. Quite a few of these are out of print, but still available on ebay, Amazon, or maybe if you are lucky you'll find them in your local charity or second hand book shop.
1. Theo Give us a Ball by Theo Foley
I loved this book. I bought it to read Theo's recollections of Arsenal in the late 1980s, but was equally gripped by his tales of what it was like to be a footballer in the 1950s and 60s.
Buy from Amazon
2. Stuck in a Moment, The Ballad of Paul Vaessen by Stewart Taylor
The tragic tale of a promising career cut short by injury and a life ruined by addiction and mental illness. Incredibly moving, quite shocking, and a must read.
3. Rebels for the Cause: The Alternative History of Arsenal Football Club by Jon Spurling
A really well written look at some Arsenal mavericks from over the years, including Charlie George and Charlie Nicholas. Spurling has also written books on Arsenal in the 80s and Arsenal in the 90s.
4. My Life in Red and White by Arsene Wenger
Wenger's autobiography was never going to be a warts and all examination of his time at Arsenal, so if it's scandal and intrigue you won't find it here. However it's a great insight in to Wenger's time at Arsenal, and in particular how his upbringing influenced his philosophy.
Also available as an audiobook on Audible, where for a limited time you can get three months membership for 99p.
5. The End: 80 years of Life on the Terraces by Tom Watt
Tom Watt (Lofty to you and I) compiled a really wonderful oral history of life on the North Bank with interviews of fans' experiences dating back to 1913. Out of print now, but you can pick it up on ebay.
6. Behind the Network by Bob Wilson
A really inspiring and moving read about Bob's family, his media career and of course his life as Arsenal goalkeeper.
7. To Cap it All: My Story by Kenny Sansom
Kenny was a sensationally good left-back, but this is a tough read, given the way his life has panned out.
8. Arsenal: The Complete Record by Josh James, Andy Kelly and Mark Andrews
I pick up this book almost every day. The definitive record, and ideal if you don't want to reach for the internet every time you want to check an Arsenal fact.
9. The Glory and the Grief by George Graham
A whistle stop tour through Graham's successes with Arsenal and some bitter reflection on the way his association with Arsenal came to a close makes for fascinating reading.
10. The Arsenal Shirt
A new edition of this excellent reference book is now available. Beautifully presented and informative.
See also
Five of the best Arsenal audiobooksFor latest articles follow me on Twitter @GoonerNostalgic or like my page on Facebook