Tracing the long and colorful history of a nation's most popular spectator sport, this unique book encapsulates football's hazy beginnings in twelfth century England and traces its history to the most recent NFL events. From the development of college football over a hundred years ago to the birth of professional football and how the teams and leagues are today, this complete volume tells it all. The sport's most compelling moments and most talented players and coaches come to life through exciting text and photographs.
Nestled on a picturesque spot near the banks of the Mississippi River, Louisiana State University is a photographer's dream. From the red pantile roofs and honey-colored stucco of its Italian Renaissance architecture to the "stately oaks and broad magnolias" hailed in the alma mater, the distinct beauty of the campus is unrivaled. Few, however, realize that the history of the state's flagship university is as colorful as the azaleas that adorn its landscape every spring. Through an entertaining marriage of photographs and text, Under Stately Oaks showcases over 140 years of LSU's past and follows the evolution of the tiny Seminary of Learning of the State of Louisiana, founded near Pineville in 1853, into a university of well over thirty thousand students for the twenty-first century. Thomas F. Ruffin sets the images in historical context and offers fascinating information that will enlighten even the most ardent LSU fan. From the first LSU students in 1860 to the 75th anniversary celebrations of the current Baton Rouge campus in 2001, Under Stately Oaks captures the spirit of the university as never before.
The history of Chelsea features glamour, controversy, hooligans, high and low fashion, huge excitement on the pitch and terrible disappointments. In the Chelsea FC: The Official Biography, Rick Glanvill brought the century of the UK's highest profile club to life in words. In this pictorial history, he has researched never-before-made-public images to show the breadth of the club's 100 years in photographs. Fully integrated and highly designed, with over 200 colour and black and white photographs and fascinating accompanying text on the story of the club, The Official History in Pictures offers all fans, and anyone with an interest in the biggest story in British football, unforgettable images and legendary faces from the past 100 years.
The University of Florida, the state's oldest and largest university, is recognized today as one of the country's most academically diverse public institutions. Though able to trace its history to 1853, the school did not begin its popular football program until the first few years of the 20th century. The program has had its share of scandals and embarrassments over time, but it has also produced two Heisman Trophy winners, a national champion, numerous players drafted into the professional ranks, and a visibility that consistently ranks the team in the top five in the country. Now attracting 85,000 fans to each of its home games, the Gators' football program has become a vital part of the University of Florida. When the team won the national championship in 1996, no one could have predicted such success just 90 years earlier. Fortunately, that fascinating journey through the last century has been captured in great photographs that include formal portraits of teams; action shots on the field; views of "The Swamp"; and snapshots of fans from every decade. These images tell the story of the birth and growth of a football team, a team that has brought enjoyment to millions and national recognition to the University of Florida.
Reviewing a record that few schools can match--11 national championships, 42 conference championships, three Heisman Trophy winners, and countless All-Americans--this sports history spotlights the University of Michigan's football legacy. The book presents 122 years' worth of action captured by the school's student-run newspaper, the Michigan Daily, drawing from the devoted reporters and photographers who covered the sidelines. Featuring stories and images that were originally published in the periodical, the account presents a record of these young journalists' outstanding work as well as a must-have keepsake for anyone who ever strolled the campus in Ann Arbor or attended games at Michigan Stadium. The school's legendary coaches, greatest players, and most memorable victories are related, from the teams of Fielding Yost and Fritz Crisler through the Bo Schembechler and Lloyd Carr eras to Brady Hoke's current bowl-winning club. Conducting a spectacular journey through the past of one of college football's top programs, this is an all-inclusive companion for die-hard UM fans.
College football in the South, it has been said, is like a religion, and nowhere is the passion and dedication more evident than at the twelve universities that make up the Southeastern Conference. The SEC is one of the most storied associations in all of collegiate sports. Its intense rivalries, historic programs, iconic coaches, and championship traditions are felt every autumn, from Gainesville to Little Rock, Baton Rouge to Lexington. The competition among the schools is as fervent as ever, fomenting rivalries within states (Alabama vs. Auburn and Mississippi State vs. Ole Miss) and across borders (Florida vs. Georgia and LSU vs. Arkansas). Many legends of the game have graced the SEC gridiron, including Fran Tarkenton, Joe Namath, Reggie White, Herschel Walker, Bo Jackson, Emmitt Smith, and Peyton, Archie, and Eli Manning---to name just a few. Celebrating three-quarters of a century of incomparable football, this lavishly illustrated book celebrates the stars, heroes, characters, and games that have made the SEC a force beyond reckoning. The book explores the players and the coaches, the teams and the traditions, and the great games and individual performances that have defined each decade of SEC football. Vintage and modern photography bring the world of the Southeastern Conference, past and present, brilliantly to life, and complete this timely tribute to an exceptional football legacy.
