Kevin Whitcher
History. You think if you read the same thing a few times over, then it must be true. And yet, what if authors are all drawing from one original source that just happens to be wrong? Such is the case with the story of Arsenal FC, and it is apt that, on the club’s 125th anniversary, the AISA History Project has produced volume one of the real history of the club, correcting some long held information about events that turns out to be untrue.
Written by Tony Attwood and Andy Kellly, the 24 page volume is free to fully paid-up AISA members, but extra copies of the volume have been produced for collectors. Priced at £5, the first volume is available now. And with a second due in the New Year, if I were you and thinking of purchasing the pair, I’d be more inclined to simply join AISA (The Arsenal Independent Supporters’ Association) and enjoy such additional benefits as the Q&A event with Ivan Gazidis in the stadium’s press conference room that took place in August. Membership costs £10 for a year or £5 if you are unwaged. Once joined, use the form on the left of the page to email them and request the first booklet be sent out with your membership card.
Anyhow, the book itself is an eye opener for those who like their Arsenal history with fresh information about the early years of the club, often correcting long held beliefs about such aspects as:
*Formation of the Club
*Turning Professional
*League Football
*The First Manager
*The Rise and the Fall
*The Road to Ruin
*Liquidation
*Norris to the Rescue
*The Return of Jack Humble
It can be bought by post – details here – or if you are coming to a home match, it can also be purchased from the t-shirt stall that also sells recent back copies of The Gooner outside 168 Drayton Park.
For more info on the project, there is a dedicated website.
