It has been a while now since the last book from Hagiology Publishing hit the shelves, but it's been worth the wait, with the latest effort, being just as interesting from the historical perspective as it is the footballing side of things.
In my mind until Gary Chalk and Duncan Holley produced the first definitive book about Southampton FC back in 1987, the history of Saints had been criminally under looked, we just didn't seem to value our history and "Saints A Complete Record of Southampton Football Club 1985-1987" was a masterpiece and it really was a complete record,
This eventually led to the founding of Hagiology Publishing and there first publication was David Bull's Dell Diamond in 1998 and since then various other books have hit the shelves.
The great thing about the Hagiology publications is the that they have a variety and cater for the everyday Southampton supporter as well as those who like to delve into the club's history a little deeper, add to that the extensive research that goes into every publication, then you know that when you buy one, you get your money's worth.
The latest to come from the guys is authored by Davis Bull and Gary Chalk and is called Saints in the Great War.
Now you won't meet any Southampton supporters who can remember the Great War, but this is not just a footballing story, it tells not only of Saints 1914-18 but of the players and their stories, it will be bought by those who like reading about the history of WW1 as much as they like reading about football.
It brings to life the harsh reality of those times and what happened to those men whose footballing careers were cut short but also their lives, it is living history of not only the then town of Southampton a major port in the conflict, but the people.
There are some great pictures, not only footballing ones, but of Southampton and all destinations in the War itself, as I say, it will be as much interest to those who might dislike football, but like to read of what the Great War was really like.
If you like Southampton FC and/or the history of World War 1, then this is a must read.
The review in the club's matchday programme read
" To call it a reference book would be to miss its unfailing warmth, its love of football in general and the Saints in particular. Nor is it merely a photographic record of a terrible time in world history, though it must be said the rich variety of pictures perfectly complements the text.....
"This is a book about people - the first-teamers, reserves and 'guest' players - associated with Southampton during and after this bloodiest of confrontations. Not all of them made it home, of course, and Bull pays handsome tribute to the fallen here... "
Another review said.
"The illustrations of these brave lads, in their football gear and also in their battlefields uniforms, are very moving. The photographs of the areas in which they fought, their graves and some memorials and the maps of where they fought add so much to this remarkable book."
You can buy it at the Club shop now and also directly from the publishers themselves, where you can also order copies of their other publications including "Saints V Pompey", All The Saints which details every player who had played for the club up till the date of it's publication and a host of other great titles.
Find out more here by clicking on hagiologists.com