Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #97161 in Books
• Published on: 2007-05-08
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 368 pages

Synopsis
Even people who don't know football know Pele. The best of a generation of Brazilian players universally acknowledged as the most accomplished and attractive group of footballers ever to play the game, he won the World Cup three times and is Brazil's all-time record goalscorer. But how did this man -- a sportsman, a mere footballer, like many others -- become a global icon? Was it just by being the best at what he did, or do people respond to some other quality? The world's greatest footballer now gives us the full story of his incredible life and career. Told with his characteristic grace and modesty, but covering all aspects of his playing days and his subsequent careers as politician, international sporting ambassador and cultural icon, PELE: THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY is an essential volume for all sports fans, and anyone who admires true rarity of spirit.

From the Inside Flap
The man.
The legend.
The autobiography.

Even people who don't know football know Pelé. The best of a generation of Brazilians universally acknowledged as the most brilliant group of footballers ever to play the game, he won the World Cup three times and is Brazil's all-time record goalscorer.

But how did this man -- a sportsman, a mere footballer, like many others -- become a global icon? Was it just by being the best at what he did? Or do we respond to some other quality?

Born on 23 October 1940 to a poor family in Três Corações, Brazil, the boy who would become known as Pelé grew up playing football on the streets, taught by his father, who had been a decent player himself until an injury cut short his career. For extra cash Pelé worked as a shoe-shine boy, and when he joined Santos FC at the age of fifteen his mother had to make him a pair of long trousers -- until then he'd only ever worn shorts. His impact was immediate: his mentor, Waldemar de Brito, told the Santos directors the boy he'd discovered would be the greatest football player in the world, but despite their initial scepticism it soon looked like he might be right.

Pelé went on to set numerous records at both club and international level. Now, the world's greatest footballer gives us the full story of his incredible life and career. Told with his characteristic grace and modesty, but covering all aspects of his playing days and his subsequent careers as politician, international sporting ambassador and cultural icon, PELE: THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY is an essential volume for all sports fans, and anyone who admires true rarity of spirit.

About the Author
Edson Arantes do Nascimento, known to the world as Pelé, was born in 1940, and joined his long-term club side Santos FC in 1956. During the course of his illustrious career he scored 1,283 goals in 1,367 games, and represented Brazil 92 times, scoring 77 international goals. His first World Cup came in 1958 at the age of just seventeen -- he scored a hat-trick in the semi-final and two goals against Sweden in the final. He would go on to appear in three more World Cups, with Brazil taking the trophy again in 1962 and 1970. He also holds the world record for hat-tricks (92), and has scored four goals in a game on no fewer than 30 occasions.

After retiring from what he called the 'beautiful game' in 1974, Pelé had a brief spell with the New York Cosmos before finally hanging up his boots after an exhibition match in October 1977 attended by nearly 700 journalists. In his subsequent career he has appeared in several Hollywood films, composed music, and worked as Brazil's Minister for Sport. In 1980 he was named 'Athlete of the Century' and in 2000 he came second to Muhammad Ali in the 'Sportsman of the Century' awards. He also works on behalf of the UN and UNICEF. As he says, 'Every kid in the world who plays football wants to be Pelé -- which means I have the responsibility of showing them how to be a footballer, but also how to be a man.' He lives in Brazil and the United States.

Customer Reviews

Would Have Been The First £60m Player
I was given this book as a gift by a very good friend of mine. As so many of us have only seen rare footage of this living legend, it's a difficult task on how to gauge his ability with today's current superstars. However, from the scenes I have watched, and some of the comments within this book, I can only imagine he would top the list that would include Ronaldinho, Kaka, Messi and Henry. Better than Best or Maradona? I'm not sure, perhaps equal. I enjoy reading football biographies, and this was no exception. So many aspects of his life is covered, even his early cahoots with girls, to his poorly managed businesses that cost him huge amounts of money. He speaks fondly of his family, especially his father, Dondinho, and how he was the inspiration towards his path to football immortality. A magnificent read, and easy to follow.

A Piece To Last Forever
Described as "The most comprehensive book on football there has ever been" by no less than The Daily Telegraph and in the words of Sports Illustrated "practically every word presents a new treasure", Gloria's limited edition "Pele" leaves no stone unturned in chronicling the story of football's greatest (and enduring) hero.

The book weighs 16kgs, has over 700 pages and is packed with the best photography and a lifetime of great writing, from the likes of Hugh Mcilvanney and Brian Glanville (both of whom contribute new pieces as well as old), 100,000 words from Pele himself (most of them culled from the 2006 "Pele" autobigraphy) and photography from the likes of Lord Lichfield, Neil Leifer, Juergen Teller and the great William Klein.

Each unit comes bound in silk and is the ultimate gift for the mad football fan with a genuine eye on football history. The publisher was one of the key editors on "GOAT: A Tribute to Muhammad Ali" and this work carries some of the trademarks of that piece: from unseen imagery, great quotes, family scrapbook style images and tributes from team members, competitors, managers and experts. It is the first ever football `big book' and after getting my copy (for Christmas), I can't imagine ever wanting to own another giant book on the greatest of all sports (my humble opinion).

It's about a single individual and that alone makes it an extraordinary human story. That Pele himself came from the humblest of origins at a time when black players were hardly ever seen on the international stage, makes it an even more resonant football story for today's players and (rich!) fans.

Since it comes in a global edition of only 2,500, it's a superb heirloom and probably a super investment. It will last forever. If you've got a bonus to spend anywhere or a rich uncle, I can't imagine a more valuable football collectible that this to own.

What a life
Before i read this book i have seen clips, heard stories and wondered was pele really all that good. After reading this book it is easy to see what everyone goes on about. The book really gives an in depth account to Pele the player and Edson the man. It is thoroughly enjoyable to read how the life of a legend came about over 1,250 goals says alot, but reading the book also sees what a colourful life he had off the pitch with numerous women and the places that have been. I feel that after reading the book i really know what and who Pele was and was and what the fuss is all about. I beleive now that Pele was a not only a great player but Edson a great man.