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Title: Undefeated: The Life and Times of Jimmy Johnstone
Author: Archie MacPherson
Published: Nov 2010
Player Homepage: Jimmy Johnstone
Synopsis
Celtic Undefeated – The Life And Times Of Jimmy Johnstone Book
He was a member of the Lisbon Lions, the most famous team in Celtic’s history, and almost thirty years after he left the club, supporters voted him the greatest ever Celt.
James Connolly Johnstone, known to his friends as Jimmy, and acclaimed throughout the football world as Jinky, was a unique talent.
Over and above his ability with a football, Jimmy Johnstone showed tremendous courage and bravery every time he stepped onto a pitch and faced opponents who tried to stop him by using fair means or foul.
It was this courage and bravery which came to the fore when he faced the toughest battle of all.
In 2001, he was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease.
Undefeated: The life and Times of Jimmy Johnstone tells two extraordinary and inspiring stories – of the boy from Viewpak who became one of the best footballers in the world, and of the man whose indomitable spirit and unshakable faith were an inspiration as he fought an incurable illness.
Review
I couldn`t recommend this book highly enough, Macpherson is an excellent writer and calls upon his vast years of experience in recounting some personal tales involving Jinky.
The book flits between the usual biography like take of Jinky growing up, his time at Celtic and his life after Celtic.
In between every main chapter though it opens with a few pages of prolouge concerning Jimmy and his battle with Motor Neurone Disease, from his initial problems, to his diagnosis, his refual to accept defeat and his willingness to pursue every possible avenue in the hope for a cure.
Eventually the two parallel stories joined together for one last final heartbreaking chapter as Jimmy loses his battle with his illness.
I would defy anyone to read the last chapter without a tear in their eye.
Macpherson though for his undoubted admiration and respect for `the wee man`, as he repeatedly refers to him, pulls no punches when it comes to dealing with Jimmy`s problems in later life, most notable with Alcoholism. He tells some real sobering tales that are hard to believe at first.
He also makes the reader truly appreciate what Agnes, Jimmy`s wife, had to go through on a daily basis as Jimmy was growing weaker with his illness. I`ve never really thought all that much about it before I`d read this book, but afterwards, the woman is an absolute saint.
As to be expected involving any Jimmy Johnstone story there is a large element of humour in it, one in particular involves the time Jimmy`s chair lift got stuck halfway up the stairs and Agnes refusing to help him until he promised he he wouldn`t give her any more cheek.
I`ve read all of Jimmy`s book and this stands head and shouders above the lot. It is right up there with MacPherson`s masterpiece on Stein as well.
Everything you can think of is here, all the highs and the lows and so much more. This book is a fitting tribute to our greatest ever player.
Product Details
- Hardcover
- Publisher: Celtic FC (18 Oct 2010)
- ISBN-10: 1907104887
- ISBN-13: 978-1907104886
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