I have a keen interest in history, which underpins my fiction projects.
Football
The History of Football series has been curated to list key events and stories in the histories of football clubs, competitions, and countries in an easily accessible format. They make ideal introductions to football history for new fans, and older fans wanting to quickly check their facts.
Broken down by year and decade, each football club book also features lists of Managers, Honours and Records/Firsts for easy reference and to show the mark made on football history by your favourite team. They are intended to provide voyages of soccer discovery for readers – to find out what they didn’t know that they didn’t know - from football origins through to the 'modern era.'
Programme Notes run throughout the books, providing background information on the major football developments in each period.
These books are independent football histories and are not endorsed, authorised, licensed or in any other way approved by any third-party.
Broken down by year and decade, each football club book also features lists of Managers, Honours and Records/Firsts for easy reference and to show the mark made on football history by your favourite team. They are intended to provide voyages of soccer discovery for readers – to find out what they didn’t know that they didn’t know - from football origins through to the 'modern era.'
Programme Notes run throughout the books, providing background information on the major football developments in each period.
These books are independent football histories and are not endorsed, authorised, licensed or in any other way approved by any third-party.
History of Football: The Arsenal Story
This book is not your typical football history – it’s a passion-filled story of Arsenal FC, written for the fans, by a fan. It takes you on a captivating journey through the club’s most iconic moments, from its humble beginnings as ‘Dial Square’ in Woolwich in 1886 to the modern-day powerhouse it is today. Whether you're a lifelong Gooner or new to the world of Arsenal, this accessible timeline brings the club’s rich legacy to life in a way that’s engaging, informative, and unforgettable.
I didn't know that!
Discover surprising stories like how an archery contest in 1902 helped save the club, or how Arsenal became the first team to win the FA Cup on penalties. Meet the legendary “Highbury Express,” relive the famous ‘Battle of Highbury,’ and celebrate countless records, trophies, and unforgettable games.
You can buy this book on Amazon. Just search for the title or 'Mark Rasdall' in any Amazon store and the title will appear. You can download the digital version to a Kindle or Kindle app on PC, iPad, iPhone and other devices.
The book is available in Kindle Unlimited too.
The print edition is also available from all good bookshops, worldwide.
ISBN: 9798346678069
I didn't know that!
Discover surprising stories like how an archery contest in 1902 helped save the club, or how Arsenal became the first team to win the FA Cup on penalties. Meet the legendary “Highbury Express,” relive the famous ‘Battle of Highbury,’ and celebrate countless records, trophies, and unforgettable games.
You can buy this book on Amazon. Just search for the title or 'Mark Rasdall' in any Amazon store and the title will appear. You can download the digital version to a Kindle or Kindle app on PC, iPad, iPhone and other devices.
The book is available in Kindle Unlimited too.
The print edition is also available from all good bookshops, worldwide.
ISBN: 9798346678069
History of Football: The Chelsea Story
This book will give you a dynamic, fan-centric narrative that brings the club's most iconic moments to life. From Chelsea’s privileged beginnings in ‘Edwardian England’ in 1905 to its transformation into a modern footballing giant, this book charts key players, unforgettable events, and milestone moments that define the club’s legacy.
Uncover Hidden Gems:
Think you know everything about Chelsea? Think again. From the famous Khaki Cup Final to the Marriott Accord, from George Hilsdon’s misfortune to the infamous Blackpool Incident, this book uncovers lesser-known tales and unexpected twists that make Chelsea’s history truly unique.
You can buy this book on Amazon. Just search for the title or 'Mark Rasdall' in any Amazon store and the title will appear. You can download the digital version to a Kindle or Kindle app on PC, iPad, iPhone and other devices.
The book is available in Kindle Unlimited too.
The print edition is also available from all good bookshops, worldwide.
ISBN: 9798346944393
Uncover Hidden Gems:
Think you know everything about Chelsea? Think again. From the famous Khaki Cup Final to the Marriott Accord, from George Hilsdon’s misfortune to the infamous Blackpool Incident, this book uncovers lesser-known tales and unexpected twists that make Chelsea’s history truly unique.
You can buy this book on Amazon. Just search for the title or 'Mark Rasdall' in any Amazon store and the title will appear. You can download the digital version to a Kindle or Kindle app on PC, iPad, iPhone and other devices.
The book is available in Kindle Unlimited too.
The print edition is also available from all good bookshops, worldwide.
ISBN: 9798346944393
history of football: the leeds united story
Discover the captivating journey of Leeds United FC in this engaging, fan-focused book. Not a comprehensive history, but a heartfelt tribute to the club's legendary characters, unforgettable moments, and the rich tapestry of its past. From humble beginnings as Leeds City in 1904 to its present-day resurgence, this story paints a vivid picture of the highs and lows that have shaped this iconic football club.
Broken down by decades, the book provides an easily digestible timeline, featuring key moments, managers, honours, and records. It's the perfect introduction for new fans and a handy reference for long-time supporters eager to revisit the facts. Dive deep into some of the club's most defining stories—whether it's the fascinating history behind the disused well beneath Elland Road, the West Stand fire, or legendary figures like Major Frank Buckley, Don Revie, and Howard Wilkinson.
You can buy this book on Amazon. Just search for the title or 'Mark Rasdall' in any Amazon store and the title will appear. You can download the digital version to a Kindle or Kindle app on PC, iPad, iPhone and other devices.
The book is available in Kindle Unlimited too.
The print edition is also available from all good bookshops, worldwide.
ISBN: 9798304393935
Broken down by decades, the book provides an easily digestible timeline, featuring key moments, managers, honours, and records. It's the perfect introduction for new fans and a handy reference for long-time supporters eager to revisit the facts. Dive deep into some of the club's most defining stories—whether it's the fascinating history behind the disused well beneath Elland Road, the West Stand fire, or legendary figures like Major Frank Buckley, Don Revie, and Howard Wilkinson.
You can buy this book on Amazon. Just search for the title or 'Mark Rasdall' in any Amazon store and the title will appear. You can download the digital version to a Kindle or Kindle app on PC, iPad, iPhone and other devices.
The book is available in Kindle Unlimited too.
The print edition is also available from all good bookshops, worldwide.
ISBN: 9798304393935
I also write regular football history pieces for the Leeds United site: No Place I'd Radebe
First Football Histories
My First Football Histories series of books offered extended histories of football clubs Arsenal FC and Chelsea FC. These books are included in the Reference Collection at the National Football Museum in Manchester.
I also wrote a series of satirical football articles for Tales from the Top Flight
I also wrote a series of satirical football articles for Tales from the Top Flight
Sweets
I ran a sweet shop in Worcester with my wife, Michelle, encouraging visitors to share their memories and stories about sweets. Out of this experience came a short history of sweets in the UK, featuring key events in the development of the sector.
Sweet Dates in the UK
When were Crunchie Bars launched? What surely was ‘a mighty chew?’ What happened to Fry’s? Which sweets were used to stop mines detonating during the Second World War?
The answers to these and many other questions on the history of sweets can be found in Sweet Dates in the UK. With some key references to candies from overseas too, it is a simple timeline of sweets dates that could be both a guide and quick delve into some of the potted histories hitherto hidden behind the packets and jars on our shelves. Iconic advertising slogans have been included where applicable, and also various ‘National Days’ when certain sweets are celebrated publicly, especially in the USA.
It isn’t an original tale, nor a rigorous and comprehensive academic research piece into the history of all confectionery; rather, a curation of stories and events that will hopefully provide a useful first reference point for anyone interested in sweets beyond simply eating them!
You can buy this book on Amazon. Just search for the title or 'Mark Rasdall' in any Amazon store and the title will appear. You can download the digital version to a Kindle or Kindle app on PC, iPad, iPhone and other devices.
The book is available in Kindle Unlimited too.
The print edition is also available from all good bookshops, worldwide.
ISBN-13 : 979-8817823400
The answers to these and many other questions on the history of sweets can be found in Sweet Dates in the UK. With some key references to candies from overseas too, it is a simple timeline of sweets dates that could be both a guide and quick delve into some of the potted histories hitherto hidden behind the packets and jars on our shelves. Iconic advertising slogans have been included where applicable, and also various ‘National Days’ when certain sweets are celebrated publicly, especially in the USA.
It isn’t an original tale, nor a rigorous and comprehensive academic research piece into the history of all confectionery; rather, a curation of stories and events that will hopefully provide a useful first reference point for anyone interested in sweets beyond simply eating them!
You can buy this book on Amazon. Just search for the title or 'Mark Rasdall' in any Amazon store and the title will appear. You can download the digital version to a Kindle or Kindle app on PC, iPad, iPhone and other devices.
The book is available in Kindle Unlimited too.
The print edition is also available from all good bookshops, worldwide.
ISBN-13 : 979-8817823400