George Best (1) (1946–2005)

Despite my careful collation of a reading list I ended up reading the George Best autobiography, 'Blessed'. I think the title was ironic. He died shortly after it was completed. I imagine due to a relapse into alcoholism. I enjoyed the bits about football and anecdotes about him as a young triallist for Manchester United just going back home without kicking a ball as he was homesick. But football was only a small percentage of his life - and the book. The blurb promised a confrontation with show more his 'demons' but his is a very unreflective story. He hated talking about his feelings and his biography is a one dimensional cycle of blackouts, car crashes and sex with beautiful women. Even the fact that his sister emigrated to apartheid South Africa is mentioned without remark. Occasionally a door opens a crack. For example he talks about the famous story when a room service guy is clearing up around his hotel bedroom. George is in a bed strewn with money and empty champagne bottles. Miss World is in the bathroom and room service guy asks, 'Where did it all go wrong?' As told on the chat show circuits it is a well polished anecdote about what a different game and a different order of success George was playing to. In the book though he concedes that the guy may, after all, have had a point. George Best spent much of his life depressed and ill with the outward trappings of success. The book doesn't look at why or even considers the damage his behaviour causes. Who knows it's even possible Miss Worlds may have had human feelings. show less

This is the story of the greatest football player Britain has ever had.
This is George Best's story from a skinny 15 year old through the glory days of Manchester United in 1968 to his dark days and early retirement.
George liked the Girls, Drinking and Gambling this catches up with you in the end.
Lots of anecdotal tales from his contemporaries.
Sad and sometimes funny story, Well written and researched this book takes us up to 1996.

George died in 2005

One of three books on the legend I own, and this is perhaps more about english football in general through Bests eyes during his peak as a player. An excellent account of what it was like at the sharp end of the game in the 60's. Positive throughout about clubs and players who will have been major rivals to Best at the time. What shines through is how open the league was in the 60's and how any one of maybe 12 teams could win the league every season. Clubs who treat the FA cup with contempt show more these days should perhaps read this book and find out what it meant to players and clubs in the 60's. Best never managed an appearance in the final,something I imagine he regretted until is untimely departure. show less

Thourily ejoyed this read along side hard tackles and dirty baths, which was more about the best era where this book is pure Best and again represents a journey through the life of a troubled genius, the like of which the UK is so good at producing. Seems to leave no stone unturned, unlike other biographies and charts the good and the bad. If only he could have graced the world cup at his peak.