Title: Celtic A complete record 1888-1992
Author: Paul Lunney
Hardback released 1992
ISBN: 1873626274

This is an anorak's dream.

Lunney's compilation produced in the early 90's provides a season by season breakdown of all Celtic games and line ups from the very first Scottish Cup campaign in 1888-89 through to the end of season 1991-92.

Everything you need is here in terms of line ups, scorers, attendances for all Celtic's domestic and european games. The compilation also includes player and manager profiles together with many chapters on games and incidents of historical interest. (Hullbhoy)


Title: Paradise Lost - "The Struggle for Celtic's Soul"
Author: Michael Kelly (ex-Celtic board member)
Paperback released: September 1994
ISBN: 0862415063

Before any of you switch off, I personally believe that enough time has passed for a fairer assessment of this book. The book is written by previous biscuit tin incumbent Michael Kelly, who at one time was also Lord Provost of Glasgow initiating the highly successful "Glasgow Smiles Better campaign".

The book comes from his point of view in the tussle for control of Celtic during what was the darkest period Celtic has ever endured in all manners. Taking in that the club was brought to its knees (60 seconds from administration) he hardly has any right to take any moral high ground, but taking in the vilification that he had to endure from the media and sections of our support, any valid points he had were drowned out, and unlike his colleagues he did come forward to make statements be it in print or in the media (although yes he hardly did cover himself in glory at these attempts).

Taking in the book, various points concerning the media, the "rebels", the players and the support are just plain paranoid (as can be much of his rants) but on the other hand he does make fair criticism of the treatment he received, the media's angle to the club's general business and also with respect to David Murray and even his own board colleagues. He provides the belated facts and corrections of various issues that arose in the period, and gives his reasons (right or wrong) on why he did as he did. On the other hand, some sections will make you cringe, like his criticisms of Paul McStay coming over as petty and childish.

This isn't the place to go into further depth on the book's issues, but all I'd say it is only fair to read his view on it whereas we have only been spoon fed the "rebels" point of view (one or two themselves having shuffled off to wherever). The book depicts a stubborn, sanctimonious old man at many points , yet it can also show an intelligent bloke behind the whole facade, which raises the question of why he went down the route he did. Nevertheless, a book to read (only if you want to know more about the period) although never take all of it at face value, as if we did go with all he says we'd never had Fergus McCann, but as I've said countlessly here already, it does deserve a fairer hearing. (JBC)


Not playing for Celtic Author: David Bennie
Mainstream Sport Released 1995. Revised 1998

A great book, the best book written by a fan about his love for our club.From his first game in the late 60’s to the Wim Jansen season. Or as the bit on the back cover says; "This book charting 30 years of being a celtic fan, is not just a review of the club’s history,nor a mere compilationof Bennie’s memories of soaring successes and dismal failure; instead it is a humerous and entertaining account of one mans formative years spent tussling with religion, politics,employment,class, philosophy and of course sex. In short, just another Saturday on the terraces." Well worth a read.







Title:Dreams and Songs to Sing: New History of Celtic
Author: Tom Campbell and Pat Woods
Hardback released: September 1996 (originally released (November 1986)
Paperback released: October 1999 (updated)
ISBN:


Celtic is one of the most famous and successful football clubs in the world. All around the globe, supporters revere the green and white hoops and follow the exploits of the current team. Everyone know about Lisbon 1967, nine-in-a-row and the recent boardroom takeover, but what about the rest of the clubs history?
Dreams and Songs to sing is a compelling examination of Celtic FC from its very earliest beginnings right up to the present day. Building on the authors ground breaking The Glory and the Dream as well as on a mass of new material, interviews with key figures and much original research and information only recently come to hand, this book is a truly indispensable read for anyone interested in the development of one of the games leading clubs. Packed with intriguing anecdotes and invaluable insights, the book also provides a fresh perspective on the transformation in Celtics fortunes and image during the Jock Stein era, takes an unflinching look at the betrayal of the clubs idealistic beginnings, and explains the reason why the boardroom dynasties suddenly became ripe for takeover in the 1990s. A human story as much as a football story, Dreams and Songs recounts the fluctuating fortunes of one of Europe's most illustrious clubs.

Title: Bhoys, Bears and Bigotry
Author: Bill Murray
Paperback released: 1998, revised and updated 2003
ISBN: 1 84018 810 3






Personally, I found this book to be a waste of time. I have now read it twice, with a couple of years between reads and my conclusion remains the same. To me, it is another example of the cowards way of discussing Celtic and Rangers, the standard Scottish media 'two sides of the same coin' argument.

To be fair, it is not without some interest, but that interest is usually sparked by one's own memory in the recollection of incidents discussed in the book.

The last few chapters are basically an attack on Catholic eduction in Scotland which the author blames for a lot of the sectarian problems in Scottish society, an argument which he acknowledges the published debate against, but is seemingly insistent that his opinion is correct. Until this point in the book, Murray offers little in the way of opinion and this section comes as bit of a shock. This reader was unsurprised to read in the last chapter that Mr Murray had attended several matches at Ibrox in his youth.

Not recommended. (MinceCFC)

Title: And you'll never walk alone.
Author : Gerald McNee
Paperback 1972
Impulse Publications
A nice wee book about the Celtic fans early and innocent travels into Europe in the late 60's. Very strange to be realise it was written by Gerry McNee, before Big Billy offered to step outside with him and before he sold out for Murdoch's pound. Lots of great photos of the fans and some great stories about the fans adventures abroad. Very old fashoned looking now but worth a look if for nothing else but the photos. Foreward by Jock Stein.


Title: The Old Firm

Author: Bill Murray
Paperback 1984, revised and updated 2000
ISBN: 0859765423




In this predecessor to Bhoys, Bears, and Bigotry (above) author Bill Murray presents an in-depth look at the Old Firm rivalry. While this is an interesting book, which has obviously been well researched, Murray predictably sits on the fence by reaching a '...both sides are as bad as each other' conclusion despite the evidence strongly suggesting otherwise. A worthwhile read but while Murray deserves credit for taking on such a thorny subject his gutless conclusion certainly raises questions about his agenda.



Title: The Essential History of Celtic
Author: Graham McColl and George Sheridan
Hardback released: 2002
ISBN: 0 7553 1141 8





Not exactly the most detailed telling of Celtic's rich history this book is however a good introduction to the club for those outsiders wishing to find out more about the Hoops.
Stylistically clear and concise this WH Smith produced book never dwells too long on any one particular issue, instead preferring to take the reader on a whistle-stop tour of the highs and lows of the Bhoys.
With features on the 50 Greatest Players and Great Matches this book is firmly dedicated to matters on the field, while issues such as the club's cultural identity merit little more than a token acknowledgement. Its best selling point however is an excellent statistics and results section which includes a detailed list of every player to represent the Celts.



Title : The Will to Win
Author : Tommy Canning
Mainstream Publishing 1988
ISBN 1 85158 165 0
A great book, don't be put off by thinking it's a kids book, It's not. A well researched history of our club in graphic form and very much a labour of love. Lots of the drawings will be famillar as they are taken from photos of great moments in our history. The story starts with the centenary cup final, then flashes back to 1888 and the origins of Celtic right up to 1988. Could have done with a better title but given all the fightbacks in our centenary season you can see where the author is coming from.














Title: Sack The Board!
Author: Allan Caldwell
Paperback released: 1994
ISBN: 1 85158 682 2




Detailing the overthrow of the old Celtic board in the dark trophy-less days of 1994 Allan Caldwell's Sack The Board! is the story of Fergus McCann's Paradise coup as seen from the viewpoint of fellow 'rebel' leader Brian Dempsey.
Former Evening Times journalist Caldwell covered the twists and turns of this incredible saga for the Glasgow paper and he presents this book as his independent telling of the takeover. However, with a forward written by Dempsey, it is soon obvious that Caldwell's book is not as independent as he would like you to believe.
Nevertheless, like Michael Kelly's Paradise Lost' (see top of page), Sack The Board! is an interesting - if imbalanced - insight into the most desperate period in Celtic's history.
The reader is told plenty about the ineptitude and arrogance of the Kelly/White board, the trauma of the thankfully brief Cassidy era and the board's near disastrous handling of financial matters. Much of this we know already of course but it still sends a shiver down your spine when you see in black and white just how close this gang of amateurs came to steering Celtic on to the rocks.
Caldwell's writing style can grate at times and there were periods in the book when I wasn't sure if I had accidentally picked up a bad 1950s American detective novel. His habit of making up conversations which he could not possibly have heard was also rightly criticised by Michael Kelly in 'Paradise Lost'. Overall, interesting but not essential reading.










Celtic A Century with Honour
Author : Brian Wilson
Published by Collins Willow
ISBN 0 00 218230 0
Title says it all. Very much the official centenary history written with the boards approval by Brian Wilson M.P., now a board member himself. Not nearly as good as Tom Campbell and Pat Woods's " The Glory and the dream" but interesting neverless. Best part in it is the chapter "Who owns Celtic" which gives a list of who owned the shares in 1897 and tells how that led to the Kelly/ White era
which was finally so disasterous for the club. For the official history should have been a lot better and have had a lot more photos.


Title : 10
Author : "The Andy Thom Experience"
"The story of Jansen's Celtic and the exorcism of the curse of the Ten"
No publisher, only available through P.O. box number in Celtic fanzine, but neverless a great little book reliving season 1997/2000. If you havn't read this try to beg,steal or borrow a copy. Written by one of us, a fan who went through the emotions we all did that year. One of the best books about us and our club. It should have been given a wider audience at the time ,when you consider all the rubbish written about Celtic by people just trying to make a fast buck.





Title: A Celtic A-Z
Author: Tom Campbell and Pat Woods
Paperback released: 1992
ISBN: 0 9519501 0



This excellent 1992 publication is a typically entertaining and informative offering from Tom Campbell and Pat Woods.
Covering everything from Abandoned Games to Zaire, Campbell and Woods provide concise accounts on virtually anything and everything connected with Celtic up to the point of publication.
Brief biographies of the club's greatest players are included along with details on some of the more obscure side-notes in Celtic history such as the Anglo-Franco-Scottish Friendship Cup!
Some great photographs are featured but the real joy of this book is that you can open it on any page and be sure to find something of interest. A wonderful addition to any Celtic library and if the authors are reading an updated version would be really appreciated!





Title: The Glory & the Dream
Author: Tom Campbell and Pat Woods
Paperback released: 1986 (Revised edition 1987)
ISBN: 0 586 20005 3


Commonly regarded as the definitive history of Celtic's first 100 years 'The Glory and the Dream' is unquestionably a must have for anyone with a real passion for the Hoops.
At almost 500 pages long this fantastic book is the most complete and detailed account of the Celtic story you could hope to find. Illustrations and pictures are few but each page is crammed with words as the authors leave no stone unturned in their telling of the club's birth and growth to a Scottish and football institution.
Taking the meeting at St Mary's Church Hall in November 1887 as the birth of the club, Campbell and Woods then recall in detail every high and low of the Bhoys during the course of the next century.
The authors do not look at events through green tinted spectacles and are not afraid to highlight those moments when the actions of Celtic players, officials and supporters have betrayed the good name of the club. Unlike books dedicated to the history of a certain other Glasgow club The Glory and The Dream does not airbrush out the more controversial and sensitive aspects of football in Scotland. The book is all the better for such a directly honest approach.
The club's many glorious achievements are of course covered in wonderfully vivid and evocative detail and there is no doubting that Celtic FC is a subject which the authors posses a great knowledge of and an even greater love for.
Along with the authors later work Dreams and Songs to Sing (see above) this masterpiece is as good a book on Celtic as you could possibly wish to own.




Title: The Story of the Celtic 1888 - 1939
Author: Willie Maley
Hardback released: 1939 (republished 1996)
ISBN: 1 874287 15 5



This fascinating yet quaint account of Celtic's first 50 years is a real treasure for Celtic history buffs.
Few football clubs had a published history prior to World War Two but this work by the very man who shaped the years he writes about puts Celtic into that elite band.
It's only natural that Maley's writing style appears so obviously old fashioned yet the book is all the more charming for it.
Often opinionated but always informative Maley provides a unique insight not only into the earliest days of Celtic but of football in a much more innocent time.
With many wonderful images of the players and officials who were to shape Celtic into one of the most famous names in world football The Story of the Celtic is a rare classic.




Title: The Glory of the Green - The Celtic Trophies
Author: John Traynor and Douglas Russell
Paperback released: 1991
ISBN: 0715728482



The Glory of the Green is that rare beast among Celtic publications in that it is a book that has been officially endorsed by the club.
Its concept is simple but effective and what it offers to the reader is a comprehensive lowdown on all those trophies which have a permanent home at Celtic Park. This A4 sized book is illustrated throughout with photographs of the often wonderful and sometimes weird pieces of silverware to grace the trophy cabinets within Paradise.
The European Cup naturally takes pride of place with famous trophies like the Coronation Cup and the St Mungo Cup also among the highlights.
But some of the most interesting reading can be found in the stories behind some of the more obscure mementos housed at Parkhead.



Title: Celtic - The Official Illustrated History 1888 - 1995
Author: Graham McColl
Hardback released: 1995
ISBN: 0 600 58707

Like his later work 'An Essesntial History of Celtic' this Graham McColl book is almost like a 'begingers guide...'introduction to Celtic.
This 'coffee table' style book certainly scores more for style than substance but that's not to say it's bad. While it might skip through the club's history a little too quickly for some tastes it does contain a fantastic collection of black and white as well as colour photographs. Its worthing owning for the pictures alone but it does also have a good facts and figures section at the end.




Title: Walk On - Celtic Since McCann
Author: David Potter
Paperback released: 2003
ISBN: 0 954 446 51



Walk On is an entertaining journey through one - if not the - most turbulent periods of Celtic's history. Following the rollercoaster ride between 1993 to 2003, renowned Celtic historian David Potter recounts the high and the lows of a period which saw Celtic fans swing from ecstasy to agony and back again. Naturally the book is crammed with now historic moments from Fergus McCann saving the Bhoys from the brink of extinction to the Martin O'Neill era and Seville. All the glory nights are here but so too are those painful memories of the Rangers 9-in-a-row and the disaster that was the 'Dream Team'. There's nothing new here but Potter writes with the obvious passion and knowledge of a true fanatic and apart from his strange obsession with the word 'feckless' this is an immensly enjoyable read.


Title: Celtic's paranoia...all in the mind?
Author: Tom Campbell
Paperback released: 2001
ISBN: 0 9547431 0 5



Eminent Celtic historian Tom Campbell turns his attention to the prickly subject of Celtic fans and their supposed paranoia. An unquestionably highly readable book Campbell's research and knowledge is typically excellent. He recounts the many incidents when the Bhoys have seemingly been handed a raw deal by the football authorites. The Eire flag flutter, the Jim Farry debacle and Celtic relationship with the media all come under the spotlight. At times its hard not to get wound up when reminded of some of the injustices the club has faced over the years.
But despite this the book does not reach the climax some may expect. In a conclusion not all Celtic fans will agree with Campbell says that while the club have been subjected to more than their fair share of harsh decisions at the hands of the Scottish football establishment this has primarily been down to ineptitude rather than a deliberate anti-Celtic agenda.
While acknowledging that anti-Catholic/Irish prejudice may have influenced some of the rough justice served to Celtic over the years Campbell also calls for Celtic fans to leave behind their conspiracy theories and move on. He also condemns the Celtic travelling support implying their behaviour is a justified reason for Celtic not to get awarded those stonewall penalties refs tend not to see so often. Indeed he urges Celtic fans to make a real effort to become more acceptable to the 'average modern Scot' who is seemingly a great bloke unless provoked by those nasty 'invading' Celtic fans.
Campbell makes some very valid points in his criticisms of a section of the Celtic support and is right to point out that the Hoops followers are far from whiter than white at times. He is also right that Scotland has - at last - moved on in terms of blatant anti-Irish/Catholic bigotry. But to paint the picture that Scotland would somehow be this prejudice-free country was it not for the antagonising pressence of the Celtic support will be seen by some as not just laughable but also insulting and depressingly out of touch.
Others will however see where the author is coming from but whatever your view there can be little doubt that this is another must read from the uniformly superb Campbell.




Title: Ten Days That Shook Celtic
Editor: Tom Campbell
Paperback released: 2005
ISBN: 0 9547431 5 6



Tom Campbell edits and contributes to this fine book which is the perfect addition to the library of the more saddistic Celtic fan. With contributions from the likes of David Potter, Pat Woods, John Cairney and Gerry Dunbar this was never going to be anything other than a first rate read.
But covering such subjects as the departue of Kenny Dalglish, the Mo Johnston debacle, Super Caley Go Ballistic and that final day nightmare at Fir Park this is not for the faint hearted. The heartbreaking tale of John Thompson is also recalled and there are also lesser known tales like the Victory Cup semi-final defeat against Rangers.
The book does also feature a chapter recounting the nail-bitting drama of the season Wim and the Bhoys stopped 10-in-a-row but that is a mere flicker of light among the doom and gloom which fill the other pages.Indeed at times the reader might have to put the book down as the painful memories come flooding back.
Nevertheless, thanks to some great writing and more than a splash of black humour Ten Days That Shook Celtic is an excellent collection of often painful and pivotal moments in Celtic's history.




Title: Glasgow Celtic - 1945-1970
Author: Tom Campbell
Hardback released: 1970




In this gem of a book Tom Campbell presents an immaculatley detailed account of the most remarkable era in Celtic's history. Packed with the most miniscule facts, and with a wonderful statistics section, this fantastic work vividly recalls Celtic's journey from post-war shambles to European giants.
Campbell crams in details and facts to every page and their are also some wondeful photographs. The Coronation Cup triumph, the 7-1 game, Lisbon and much, much more are all here in a book which is a must have for all Celtic history buffs.
For Celtic fans like me who were born after the period the book covers it provides an invaluable insight to the players and teams our parents and grand-parents have told us about. Campbell's use of newpaper reports of games helps both to create a real feel for the time and also allows the reader to paint a picture of action. A wonderful piece of work.




Title: Celtic In Europe
Author: Graham McColl
Paperback released: 2003 (revised 2004)
ISBN: 1 84018 777 8



Graham McColl proides a welcome addition to the Celtic library with this excellent look at the history of the Bhoys in Europe. The book tells of the Celts' rise, fall and rise on the European scene naturally taking in those nights in Lisbon, Milan and Seville. There are of course many other memorable nights packed into the clubs 40-odd years of European travels and McColl recalls each one including those more painful occasions such as the Rapid Vienna fiasco/stitch-up.
Packed with highs and lows- my God there are some shockers in here from the late 80s and 90s - this is an often enlightening and always entertaining read.




Title: Blue & Green - Rangers v Celtic
Author: Archie Macpherson
Hardback released: 1989
ISBN: 0 563 21480 5


Commentator and writer Archie Macpherson presents a selecton of his most memorable Old Firm derbies in this well written book. Sitting firmly on the fence Archie - never my favourite commentator - mostly steers well clear of the politics behind the rivalry to concentrate on the football. With an even number of Rangers and Celtic victories the book is a well balanced and informative read and despite my reservations of Archie behind the microphone this guy knows his stuff and he is a first class football writer.This is certainly worth a read whichever side of the divide your loyalties lie.




Title: Celtic Minded
Editor: Joseph M Bradley
Paperback released: 2004
ISBN: 1 902831 69 1


Probably one of the most controversial books about Celtic and Celtic supporters 'Celtic Minded' is essential reading for those of us who believe the Hoops are so much more than just a football team.
With contributions from Dr Joseph M Bradley, composer James MacMillan, Lisbon Lion Tommy Gemmell and many others the book is essentialy a collection of essays about what it means to be part of Celtic. Critics sniffed at the "overt Irishmess" of the book and while its contents will not be everyone's cup of tea many of the points raised within its pages are valid.
At times it can be heavy going and some contributions are naturally superior to others. Its certainly not a book for those who don't like their football-related literture to stray too far from the pitch.
But for those with a keen interest in Celtic FC as a cultural institution this is at times a fascinating and thought provoking read and you can't help but wonder if the real reason many in the Scottish media criticised this work was because the truth can really hurt.







Title: Celtic Minded 2
Editor: Joseph M Bradley
Paperback released: 2006
ISBN: 1 902831 93 4


This follow-up to the succesful Celtic Minded carries on from where the original left off. While it touches many similar socio-economic, religious and political themes to the first book this work also includes more straight forward football related articles. It also eloquently responds to some of the questionably motivated criticisms of the original.
The list of the contributors is again varied and impressive with James MacMillan and Dr Joseph M Bradley joined this time by Tom Campbell,
ex-striker George McClusky, Wolfe Tone singer-songwriter Derek Warfield, Irish Post columnist Joe Horgan and many more.

Title ; CELTIC. A Newspaper History.
Published by Historic Newspapers.
ISBN- 13: 978-1-905966-27-1
As It says on the back cover, Sporting Highlights from the national press. A collection of newspaper pages from great times in Celtic's history. Starting with Celtic 5 Rangers ) from 1925 finishing with the double in 2007.
The only drawback is all articles come from Daily Record / Sunday Mail. Interesting looking back to see the change in reporting of the games, up untill the early eighties managers were hardly mentioned, later they seem to talk of nothing else.








Title: Jungle Tales
Editor: John Quinn
Paperback released: 1994
ISBN: 1 84018 094 3


The legendary terraced area of Celtic Park known as 'The Jungle' may have disappeared back in the dark days of the 1990s but its many memories live on in this evocative book.
Jungle Tales is essentially a lucky bag collection of stories, articles, interviews and soundbites about this most famous of terracings. Contributions come from players, managers and fans who all have their own special tales about this famous stand and its legendary patrons. As you would expect there are plenty of moments of humour but while this book will certainly raise a smile it will also induce more than a little sorrow from those who can remember the unique atmosphere which was lost the day the Jungle was replaced with seating.
The many stories and snippets which make up 'Jungle Tales' appear to be thrown together with little logic or order but rather than detract from the book it indeed seems ionly fitting that a tribute to the Jungle should itself be a little chaotic.


Tears in Argentina: Celtic's Quest for the World Club Championship: Celtic's Quest for the World Cup Championship
Author: Tom CambellPaperback: 240 pages

Publisher: Fort Publishing Ltd (6 Nov 2006)

Language English

ISBN-10: 1905769024 ISBN-13: 978-1905769025
Product Description
World Club Championships 1967
In the autumn of 1967 Celtic attempted to become the first British club to win the World Club Championship. But their encounter with Racing Club of Argentina turned into one of the most shameful episodes in the history of football. It culminated in a third explosive game in Montevideo, in which six players were sent off amid chaotic scenes. In Tears for Argentina leading Celtic historian Tom Campbell tells the whole story of that controversial series and asks whether the conventional view that the Argentine players and fans were the villains of the piece still holds true. In his quest for the truth he interviewed Celtic players, directors and coaching staff including Billy McNeill, Bertie Auld, Bobby Lennox, Jimmy Johnstone and John Fallon. There is a special interview with Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, who provides a shrewd insight into the mindset of Jock Stein. In 2005 Campbell also made the long journey to Buenos Aires, where he met many of the people who were involved in the matches with Celtic: the Racing players, directors and coaching staff. The result is a gripping account of the most important matches ever played by a Scottish club. With 16 pages of stunning photographs.

Title : The story of Celtic. An official History.
Author : Gerald McNee.
Hardback Published 1978 by Stanley Paul
ISBN 0 09 132410 6
Again a book written by McNee about Celtic when he was still a journalist with no axe to grind against Celtic, the board, the fans, the players, whoever our manager is and all things Celtic. Indeed the book is dedicated to his daughter and "The Celtic Football Club" Like Brian Wilson's book 10 years later written with the full backing of the Celtic board of the time, the Kellys and the Whites etc. Very much of it's time nothing controversial same old stories rolled out. Would be a good read for younger fans wanting to find out a bit about our past.

Title: The Celtic Football Companion
Author David Docherty Paperback (355 pages)
John Donald Publishers Ltd. ISBN 0 85976 173 8
Published 1986.
A reference book of every game played 1946 and 1986. It gives you the date played both team line-ups, and goalscorers. There is also a small match report for the important games like cup finals and Rangers games. There is a team photo for every season and a summary of that year. A great book for settling all those pub arguements about who played when,who scored and how many penalties we didn't get. Well worth a look for supporters of my age, would be great if they did an update to the present day.

Title : Celtic - A Centenary History
Author Ian Archer





Others from Long ago