Among the Thugs

By: Bill Buford

Narrated by: Bill Buford

Length: 9 hrs and 35 mins

Publisher's summary

They have names like Barmy Bernie, Daft Donald, and Steamin' Sammy. They like lager (in huge quantities), the queen, football clubs (especially Manchester United), and themselves. Their dislike encompasses the rest of the known universe, and England's soccer thugs express it in ways that range from mere vandalism to riots that terrorize entire cities.

Now, Bill Buford, editor of the prestigious journal Granta, enters this alternate society and records both its savageries and its sinister allure with the social imagination of a George Orwell and the raw personal engagement of a Hunter Thompson.

©1990, 1991 William Buford (P)2018 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

“A grotesque, horrifying, repellent and gorgeous book; A Clockwork Orange come to life.” (John Gregory Dunne)

"An important, perhaps prophetic, book...both exciting and sad at the core.... [Buford is] a superbly talented reporter." (The New York Times Book Review)

"Animated, witty, and so pungent you can taste the stale lager." (Washington Post Book World)

It holds up

I originally read this in 1992 or so, on paper— it was thrilling then— but as I know now many years later about the social strife in England at the time, it’s a testament to its era.

I learned a lot more now, many years later with hindsight by responsibly following closely to global politics and machination of despair, anger, violence among common people— even here in America 2024.

I think in my youth I glorified the anarchy of the supporters, but now know it is better how the story actually closes. No spoiler, highly recommended.

Thoughtful, eloquent, humorous, honest.

Thoroughly enjoyed this. It’s not often you hear an educated description of violence, mix in an honest account of its motivation and attraction, top it off with a dry subtle humor and you get this great book. The author narrates it perfectly.

Absolutely fantastic!

I couldn’t stop listening, from the beginning to the end! Fantastic book. If you are someone who knows a bit about the world of hooligans, football fan violence and are interested in the psychology of the crowds, this is a perfect choice. Loved it!

Best book about Football Hooliganism

Was very happy to hear the author himself narrate and give perspective to this wild time in football history.

Great store, worth listen too, and well read by author!!

Great store, worth listen too, and well read by author!! Time well spent . Must Listen

Loved the Print, Loved Audible

I read this book in print back in the 90s and loved it. I disagree with Budford's experience that the Dutch fans are not violent. While the Dutch national team's fan club seems to have done a good job at controlling their hoolies on a national team level, fans from leading Dutch clubs are plenty bad.
Still, I found his book insightful and an enjoyable read.

Delightful

I simply loved this audiobook, enjoyed the print years ago but this is much better. The author beautifully captures the emotions, insights and heart wrenching moments of the story. Bellisimo!!!

Very entertaining and reflective

I downloaded this as a palate cleanser, looking for a topic completely foreign and sensational. This delivered, but was surprisingly deep and introspective about human society and our own potential. I loved it.

The are negative reviews of the performance, which i agree with. I found it distracting and overdone. But i found that listening on 1.25 speed fixed everything by shortening the overdone dramatic pauses and gratuitous inflections. If you dont like the performance, make that change and its delightful.

Riveting

I can’t imagine this book being a bad read, but listening to the narrator is simply candy. Non-stop humor on a little understood and seldom witnessed topic as English Football violence to an American’s ears, the book serves as a vivid insight into this quintessentially British cultural carnage as witnessed by a Yank. Highly recommended in Audio.

This book is expertly done.

Bill Buford is one of the better non-fiction writers going today. Even if you don’t like football, this book is well worth your time.