This attractive book covers the history, skills, and strategy of soccer. Succinct text and plenty of color illustrations explain different aspects of the game on double-page spreads. Computer-generated images show many of the skills, and although these are not as effective or as striking as color action photographs would have been, their similarity to video game images will make them familiar and even comforting to many readers. Almost all of the pictures in this British import show European players and teams; however, a small section describes the history of American professional soccer teams. Unfortunately, women's soccer, although mentioned, gets inadequate attention in both the text and the photographs, and there is surprisingly little mention of the World Cup. Web sites include information on both the U.S and international forms of the game. A glossary is appended.

Gr 5-8 An all-encompassing book that covers the history of the sport; basic rules, skills, and tactics; information on stadiums, soccer media, and "A Pro's Life"; as well as biographies of important players. Few women are mentioned. Small blocks of text are interspersed with a variety of digitally created illustrations that often lend a slightly eerie and surrealistic look to the figures. Color photos enhance the text. The left-hand margin of each page contains see-also topics and page numbers that will allow readers quick access to related information. The final sections include summaries of great competitions and games, one-paragraph biographies, statistics, and a one-page glossary. Web-site selections cover a wide variety of topics from the author's own Web site to "Ask the Ref" and women's soccer. Libraries that own Gary Lineker's Soccer and Hugh Hornby's Soccer (both DK, 2000) probably won't need Gifford's title. However, it will be a solid addition to those in constant need of books on the sport. -Blair Christolon, Prince William Public Library System, Manassas, VA Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information.