The American-born editor of the British literary magazine Granta presents a horrifying, searing account of the young British men who turn soccer matches at. Buy Among The Thugs New Ed by Bill Buford (ISBN: ) from Amazon’s Book Store. Everyday low prices and free delivery on eligible orders. They have names like Barmy Bernie, Daft Donald, and Steamin’ Sammy. They like lager (in huge quantities), the Queen, football clubs (especially Manchester.

While others have broached the topic, Buford comes from an American perspective, which in the s meant little understanding of football.

I’m just disappointed it didn’t live up to its potential. He examines the skinhead culture of football supporters, the illegal activities of many leaders, and the ties that bind these individuals together.

That was in In a perfect world, I would like to think Buford would get upset about this kind of pre-emptive treatment by police of people who have not done anything wrong. I know that is how it is in real life, but is that how it is in nonfiction? I don’t think this is a book bufogd we’re meant to revel in the violence. Among the Thugs stands next The Hell’s Angels as an unflinching look at a violent male subculture, in this case the classic English football hooligan of the s.

It is bold, but thought out, the risks weighed. It is difficult to explain the cultural and societal impact of football in England to someone from the United States. I got to know and experience this world, firsthand, through Buford’s words and suggest you do the same.

The Experience, and the Seduction, of Crowd Violence. Bll gives the week meaning. December Learn how and when to remove this template message. See 1 question about Among the Thugs…. Overall, though, this is an amazing, amazing work. Surprise not in the predictable rioting of sports fans, but that nothing like tbe happens in the states. Buford walks this line where he can tell us about the violence, talk about the appeal, and it doesn’t feel tge he’s trying to convince us to get involved or that it’s not so bad.

What he depicts as an idle curiosity about a strange feature of English culture, much sensationalized by the press, became biford multiyear sociological boll. Open Preview See a Problem? This is, if you like, the answer to the hundred-dollar question: In one short chapter, Buford talks to a police captain who can’t believe that in the States, at a football game, people show up shortly before the game as opposed to r It takes something willing to go pretty far to call it one of the most intense reads I’ve ever had.

Jun 22, Wheeler rated it it was ok. It was quite an event: He makes a list of their likes.

But somehow, thousands if not millions of English headed out to the grounds every Saturday. So too does the pack mentality govern the actions of the adults.

Thankfully the hospital visit turned out to only be out-patient surgery and also thankfully, the surgery went as well as could be hoped. Out here in the “normal” world, drinking 8 liters of wine in the morning, attending white power discos, and throwing bricks through windshields all seem outlandish.

Sure, occasionally some cities and college campuses will take over a few blocks in drunken reveling in honor of a championship, but a weekly event across the nation? Later on, he goes on about the physicality of the football matches, as a spectator.

Among the Thugs

That in itself is even more disturbing. One of many American moments of crowd violence that appeared well before the publication does not appear: While an interesting look at the violence among football supporters of England, this book is, at heart, an examination of bufotd occurs during crowd violence and how such violence erupts to destroy and kill anything in its path. He’s in Manchester, the most unruly of the fan clubs bufod there.

But I think that these foibles here, are all part of Buford’s ultimately depressing message. Buford also leaves the audience hanging, wondering what the outcome of at least one tragedy is. Buford begins his journey by introducing himself to members of the Manchester United firm, where he meets Mick, who teaches him much about football as well as firms in general. This bored, empty, decadent generation consists of nothing more than what it appears to be.

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Among The Thugs is an enjoyable read and the violence is certainly disturbing. As I entered this experience, I made a paint of removing moral judgment, like a coat. It kept be gasping for air page by page from the alley chases and bar brawls, laughing out loud from the brilliantly timed interjections of humor, and shrieking to avoid reading another word of its grotesque reality.

It is fascinating to watch, or rather read, as Buford condemns the populace for standing up to unjust, fascist regimes. So the all-seater stadiums and the soaring prices, plus the beatific state of mind achievable at beats per minute, solved what had previously been seen as ugly and intractable.

Surprise not in the predictable riot The English disease in all its gory. It pricks itself so that it has feeling, bums its flesh so that it has smell. The vividly drawn characters are dysfunctional and often despicable, but Buford is a fair witness, finding things to like about them as well as detest. Thompson did for s motorcycle gangs, Bill Buford here does for s English soccer fan culture and it’s well worth reading if that interests you as it did me.

There’s the international hustling of ‘DJ’, a counterfeiter and aspiring photographer from a privileged background.