Author:Raphael Honigstein
‘Football is a simple game; 22 men chase a ball for 90 minutes and at the end, the Germans always win’ Gary Lineker
Packed with exclusive interviews with key protagonists, Raphael Honigstein’s book lifts the lid on the secrets of German football’s success.
13th July 2014, World Cup Final, the last ten minutes of extra time. Germany forward Mario Götze, receiving a floated pass from his international teammate André Schürrle, jumps slightly to meet the ball and cushion it with his chest. Landing on his left foot, he takes a step with his right, swivels, and in one fluid motion, without the ball touching the ground, volleys it past the onrushing Argentine goalkeeper into the far corner of the net. The goal wins Germany the World Cup for the first time in almost twenty-five years.
In Das Reboot, journalist and television pundit Raphael Honigstein charts the return of German football - how did German football transform itself from its efficient, but unappealing and defensively minded traditions to the free-flowing, attacking football that was on display during the last World Cup? The answer takes him from California to Stuttgart, from Munich to the Maracaná, via Dortmund and Durban.
‘German football boasts not only the World Cup, but superb writers…A fine account of how Germany reclaimed hegemony’ Guardian
Fantastic ... Honigstein's detail is superb
—— Aidan Smith , Scotland on SundayHonigstein charts how fussball became the hippest version of the game
—— ShortlistHonigstein tells the story with panache and exactly the same kind of eye for detail he's writing about
—— Chris Maume , IndependentAn excellent chronicle
—— John Mcauley , The NationalAn engrossing read
—— five stars , Four Four TwoHonigstein […] is an engaging and informed guide
—— Houman Barekat , Times Literary SupplementIlluminating and insightful… whether you are a football hipster or not, this is worth reading
—— Mark Gallagher , Daily MailGerman football boasts not only the World Cup, but superb writers…A fine account of how Germany reclaimed hegemony
—— Hux Richards , GuardianA rich and gripping overview of how a decaying superpower worked over-time to replant and replenish its footballing roots.
—— Jonathan O’Brien , When Saturday ComesExcellent
—— Michael Walker , Irish TimesOutstanding. Can't recommend it highly enough. Instant classic.
—— Joe MolloyCompelling and ground-breaking
—— Dave Hannigan , Evening EchoA must read
—— Loaded, Top 10 Books of 2015Dub-Sub Confidential has already become a sort of handbook for anyone in sport struggling with mental health issues, and for good reason: not many footballers will openly confess to double-popping pills or turning up for training half blitzed. Yet Leonard is clearly in a better place now.
—— Ian O'Riordan , Irish TimesSearingly honest; funny and sad at the same time
—— Gavin CummiskeyFilled with laugh-out-loud scenes and witty comments, alongside serious reflections on the consequences of the Communist dream and reminders of how disparate Europe still remains, this book was difficult to put down
—— Rhiannon Roy , Time & LeisureHe is quite, quite bonkers - and very funny
—— The BooksellerBrilliant, bruising
—— Donal Ryan , Sunday IndependentThis is so much more than the story of their journey – it’s a superbly written, endlessly fascinating book encompassing history, geology, landscape, family memories, wars experienced and lives well lived.
—— Choice MagazineOne of the most unexpected and enjoyable reads of 2016… The book fizzes erudition and is delightfully leavened by the companionship of his aged and doughty father.
—— Guardian, Readers' Book of the YearA very funny book - not jovial in the post-Wodehouse Boris mode but something more taught and Caledonian... The politician in Stewart never had a chance against the writer, a reliable adversary of consensus and cant.
—— Minoo Dinshaw , OldieBeautiful, evocative, and wise.
—— Malcolm Forbes , Star TribuneThe Marches is a transporting work from a powerful and original writer.
—— Harvard PressThis beautifully written account is a moving memoir of tales from along the route but also reflections on life and relationships – father and son on this their last journey together.
—— ProspectRory Stewart is one of the most talented men of our era. The Marches takes us from Rory’s constituency to his family house is an attempt to understand the bloody history of the Scottish borders… The quest is fascinating even if the answers are elusive.
—— Bruce Anderson , SpectatorAs the book unfurls, the march along the marches turns into a eulogy to his father, part memoir, part biography, always a love story. It also contains one of the most unflinching, moving descriptions of death I have read.
—— Melanie Reid , The TimesThis beautifully written book is a haunting reflection of identity and our relationships with the people and places we love.
—— Jane Shilling , Daily MailStewart provides much food for thought about how we value our past history
—— Susannah Law , Scottish Field