The Gooner Fanzine's Arsenal Christmas Book List:

From Glam to The Jam by Step Taylor

Published by Olddogbooks.net this heavily Goonified book covers the period 1970- 1983 the author's trials and tribulations growing up in Suffolk with all that that entails.

Centers largely on the sport, media, footy and music and aimed at those aged 45+ who have fond memories of these times.

Graham Rix, David Coleman, Tony Adams, Punk, Mod Revival, Ron Pickering. The Flashing Blade, football stanchions all get coverage and memories of those Gooner games and gigs attended (and those missed...)

A no holds barred semi autobiographical account of life in Suffolk in this period detailing some of the more obscure events with a sly enduring wit.

Set against the backdrop of the music genres of the period Step fondly reminisces about gigs, matches, television, media and the infuriatingly under-performing Gooners.

Whilst the Suffolk community remained entrenched in the likes of Meatloaf, Quo, Showaddywaddy and ITFC the author’s allegiance to Arsenal remained intact.

School antidotes, trips and tours are re-visited and escapades recounted in detail including his first gig (The Clash), his first live football match (Lincoln V Doncaster) and his first set of wheels. 

During the seventies Arsenal refused to corrupt their kit with Umbro stripes and failed to mount a serious title challenge after 1971 but apparently in Graham Rix they had a player who was better than Hoddle...

The pains of the author are all too apparent (missing Tony Woodcock’s five goal haul Vs Villa in 1983 a case in point) and there is an enjoyable cynicism throughout.

Those with memories of these times should find this a highly enjoyable read and break into a chuckle or two.

You can buy the book here: https://www.olddogbooks.net/shop/olddogbooks/glam-to-the-jam/

Step Taylor