Books – Armageddon (2018)

So, we have another book from the prolific Paul Larkin stable. It may not be Campbell & Woods, but what we have is another book that raises the points that impact those on the ground without pandering to anyone. In that sense, it best explains the cult following that his work has won, or at least a guilty pleasure for the more cynical too proud to admit they secretly enjoy reading his work.

I’ve already seen the accompanying film/documentary prior to this and really there is little similarity, if anything the book is so different with the meatiest items from the book not in the documentary, which is strange as those parts really made the book a worthwhile read. So this is worth reviewing completely separately, so double the enjoyment.

Again, Paul Larkin has released another very worthy book that is both accessible, readable and enjoyable, as well as being informative. He keeps alive issues that sadly too many with their own agendas have tried to bury. It’s not over yet.

Strictly the book is a hotchpot of different articles bound together as is the Larkin style for his books, where as part of his methodfor these books, he provides a few chapters to others to give their view on topics. He has become a little more orthodox of late I find with his books, but don’t get me wrong it still all retains its character.

In this book, we have Kris Kujawa writing up a past season review which is too recent in the memory to be of much interest to many yet, but still well done. There is also a welcome intelligent reminder of EBTs by an experienced accountant which helps boost weight for the arguments.

Back to Larkin, we have possibly his most personal writing. He details the impact that sticking his head above the parapet has done to his life (and don’t forget he’s not a mainstream figure). Abuse, threats and attacks on his home, it’s an eye opener. He’s not asking for sympathy but he will get it, and in return you will support him ever more. He’s not melodramatic or even resorting to hyperbole, he is being genuine.

The point being that for what should be a straight forward case of justice in Scottish football has led to the real victims being those outwith of the guilty. Those seeking justice or fairness have been the true but unacknowledged victims. What has happened to Larkin has been the case too for various other Celtic fans. Just go on twitter and if you mention Oldco you will be verbally abused, harassed and even have some idiots trying to hack your account (happened to me and some others).

The final part, is a sideways move from all else he has written about. He just takes us on a journey through the InVIncibles season, and it is as perfect a summation as you would want (and far better than the similar talking heads section in the DVD).

After all his writing in his growing catalogue of books, he then sums up perfectly through this experience why we are Celtic fans and why we put ourselves through it all, and I’m not talking about run of the mill stuff.You will understand it all.

Few surprises in the book, but one was his criticism on Phil MacGhilobain, which I don’t personally subscribe to, and never expected, although Larkin gives his fair reasons for it. Another was his generally warm words for certain MSM media scribes, which I don’t agree with on some of them. Those scribes are ultimately responsible for their words in print, regardless of how warmly they may be in person (they all do come to you with smiles), and are a huge part of the problem we are in.

One major frustration with this book has to be raised: simply, there are way too many spelling and grammar issues that they can be overlooked. If anyone was sub-editing the book on behalf of the author, then really they did a poor job to the point it gets quite irritating when you’re reading it. You’ll easily lose count, and should have been noted before the book’s release. One of the few things that can spoil your enjoyment of the read.

As ever this is highly recommended to every Celtic supporter. Granted there are those who aren’t sympathisers to Larkin, but I’ve yet to meet any of them worthy of the soapbox they like to stand on when trying to deliver their arguments.

To summarise: buy this book and the DVD, you’ll laugh, think and be reminded again of what a special support we have. Paul Larkin has etched his name as a cult writer for many of us, and as ever I can’t wait till the next product is released, but in the meantime will remain an avid fan of the Homebhoys Podcasts he contributes to.