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Bill Buford

Among the Thugs

In "Among the Thugs: The Experience and the Seduction of Violence in English Football," Bill Buford, an American writer and editor, provides a gripping and disturbing account of his experiences with football hooligans in England during the 1980s and 1990s. Buford, who was working as fiction editor for The New Yorker at the time, became fascinated with the culture of violence that surrounded English football and decided to immerse himself in it. The book is a first-person narrative that takes readers on a journey through the dark underbelly of English football. Buford describes in vivid detail the rituals, the language, and the mindset of the hooligans he encountered. He also explores the social and economic factors that contributed to the rise of hooliganism in England during that time. Buford's writing is both engaging and thought-provoking. He does not shy away from the more unsavory aspects of the culture he is studying, but he also manages to find moments of humanity and even humor in his interactions with the hooligans. The result is a book that is both a thrilling read and a nuanced exploration of the nature of violence and group behavior. One of the most striking aspects of "Among the Thugs" is the way it challenges the reader's preconceptions about hooliganism and the people who engage in it. Buford does not portray the hooligans as mindless thugs, but rather as complex individuals who are capable of both brutality and kindness. He also shows how the culture of hooliganism can be seductive, offering a sense of community and belonging that is often lacking in other areas of their lives. Overall, "Among the Thugs" is a powerful and thought-provoking book that offers a unique perspective on a often misunderstood subculture. It is a must-read for anyone interested in football, violence, or the complexities of human behavior...