This is an update of two previous editions, the first (CH, Feb’08, 45-3258) by the same author, with a new chapter on the 2014 World Cup in Brazil and revised statistics. Like the previous editions, this is a narrative history and not an encyclopedia with subject-oriented entries. There have been 20 World Cup tournaments so far, and Lisi covers them chronologically in ten chapters, with each of the last three events meriting its own chapter. The author describes the process leading to the choice of each host venue and highlights memorable and important events. He also includes a glossary that defines terms and about 50 pages of World Cup records and statistics. This volume can be read cover-to-cover or dipped into to gain insight on any particular World Cup, player, coach, administrator, or country. However it is used, it is a handy and helpful history of one of the world’s preeminent sporting events. Those who own an earlier edition would do well to replace it with this latest edition.
Summing Up: Recommended. Lower-division undergraduates through faculty/practitioners; general readers. Reviewer: M. P. Tosko, University of Akron Subject: Science & Technology – Sports & Recreation Choice Issue:Sep 2015