On this page, I have listed some books related to football cards. Several of these books cover years beyond the primary focus of this website, but I have chosen to include them because many visitors also collect cards from before 1950.
If there are any books I would strongly recommend and consider absolutely essential for every collector’s bookshelf, it would be the first two books by Carl Wilkes. They cover absolutely everything about vintage football cards ever produced and serve as indispensable resources for anyone looking to learn more about their collection—whether you need to identify a series, determine the year of issue, assess value, or anything else related to football cards.
Or if you’re simply interested in learning more about all the different football card series that exist.
A to Z of Football Collectibles – The Definitive Guide
For football collectors, A to Z of Football Collectibles is quite simply the bible. Carl leaves no stone unturned, covering everything from the early cigarette cards of the late 19th century to the mass-produced sticker albums of the modern era. What sets this book apart is not just the breadth of its coverage but the depth—each entry is packed with historical context, valuation insights, and collecting tips that both novices and seasoned collectors will find invaluable.
One of the standout features is the visual presentation. The book is lavishly illustrated, with stunning high-quality images that showcase rare and iconic items in their full glory. Whether you’re hunting for classic A&BC cards, Topps issues, Panini stickers, or obscure regional releases, Carl offers detailed breakdowns that help collectors understand rarity, condition factors, and market value trends.
Beyond its encyclopedic knowledge, what makes A to Z of Football Collectibles a true collector’s gem is its storytelling. Carl doesn’t just present facts—he brings the history of football memorabilia to life, sharing fascinating anecdotes about legendary players, the companies that produced these items, and the cultural significance of collecting.
You can get your copy here
A to Z of Sporting Collectibles – A Collector’s Dream Beyond Football
A to Z of Football Collectibles is essential for football fans, A to Z of Sporting Collectibles expands the playing field to all corners of the sporting world. This book serves as an indispensable guide for multi-sport collectors, covering everything from cricket and rugby to boxing, motorsport, and Olympic memorabilia.Carl applies the same meticulous research and engaging writing style here, offering deep dives into rare and valuable collectibles across various sports. From vintage cigarette cards of legendary cricketers to signed boxing gloves from the golden age of heavyweight boxing, this book is an absolute treasure trove of knowledge.
Once again, the visuals are a highlight. The stunning imagery, combined with Carl’s expert insights, makes this book not just a reference guide but a beautiful piece of sporting history in its own right. The sections on valuation and collecting tips are particularly useful, helping collectors make informed decisions in an ever-changing market.
You can get your copy here
Swap Yer: The Wonderful World of Football Cards and Sticker Albums by Rob Jovanovic
For anyone who grew up feverishly tearing open packets of football stickers or swapping duplicate cards in the school playground, Swap Yer by Rob Jovanovic is a nostalgic delight. This book takes readers on a charming and well-researched journey through the history of football card and sticker collecting, capturing the sheer joy and obsession that has surrounded the hobby for generations.Jovanovic does a fantastic job of blending personal nostalgia with a broader historical perspective. He traces the evolution of football collectibles, from the early cigarette cards of the early 20th century to the dominance of Panini sticker albums and the arrival of modern-day trading card brands. Along the way, he shares fascinating anecdotes, behind-the-scenes stories, and insights into the cultural impact of football collectibles, making the book as informative as it is entertaining.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is how it taps into the universal experience of collecting. Whether you were one of those kids who desperately needed just one last sticker to complete an album or someone who spent hours meticulously arranging your cards, Swap Yer will take you right back to those moments. Jovanovic’s writing is engaging, lighthearted, and full of warmth, making it an easy and enjoyable read for both collectors and casual football fans alike.
That being said, hardcore collectors looking for an in-depth guide to valuations and rarities might find this book more of a celebration than a detailed reference. Swap Yer leans heavily on the nostalgia factor rather than comprehensive analysis, but that’s part of its charm—it’s less of a collector’s manual and more of a love letter to the hobby.
Overall, Swap Yer is a thoroughly enjoyable read that captures the magic of football card and sticker collecting. It’s a book that will make you smile, reminisce, and perhaps even dig out that old sticker album from the attic. A must-read for anyone who’s ever swapped a sticker in the schoolyard.
Get your copy here
Got, Not Got: The A-Z of Lost Football Culture, Treasures & Pleasures by Derek Hammond and Gary Silke
For those who fondly recall the golden days of football, Got, Not Got serves as a delightful time capsule, transporting readers back to an era when the sport was less commercialized and more intimately connected to its fans. Authored by Derek Hammond and Gary Silke, this book is a comprehensive compendium of football memorabilia, culture, and the myriad joys associated with the game from the 1960s through the 1980s. Structured as an A-Z guide, Got, Not Got delves into a vast array of topics, from iconic sticker albums and vintage kits to long-forgotten club merchandise and peculiar football gadgets. Each entry is meticulously researched and accompanied by vivid photographs, making the book not only informative but also visually engaging. The authors’ passion shines through, offering readers both a nostalgic journey and insightful commentary on how the sport and its associated paraphernalia have evolved over the decades. One of the book’s standout features is its ability to evoke personal memories. Whether it’s recalling the tactile pleasure of opening a fresh pack of football cards, the excitement of game-day rituals, or the camaraderie of playground matches, Got, Not Got resonates on a deeply personal level. It’s a celebration of the communal experiences that have defined football fandom for generations. While the book is a treasure trove for those who lived through the eras it covers, it also serves as an educational resource for newer fans. It offers a window into the rich tapestry of football history, highlighting the cultural artifacts that have shaped the sport’s legacy. In summary, Got, Not Got: The A-Z of Lost Football Culture, Treasures & Pleasures is a must-read for any football enthusiast. It captures the essence of what made the sport so special in decades past and serves as a poignant reminder of the simple pleasures that have been overshadowed in the modern game. Get your copy here
Got, Not Got: The Lost World Series by Derek Hammond & Gary Silke
For football fans who grew up in an era before the game became hyper-commercialised, Derek Hammond and Gary Silke’s Got, Not Got series is a nostalgic goldmine. Illustrated here by Got, Not Got: The Lost World of Liverpool, these books transport readers back to a time when football was about muddy pitches, sticker albums, rattles, and the thrill of a new kit launch rather than branding and billion-pound sponsorship deals. Each book in the series is dedicated to a specific club, delving deep into its unique history and the culture that surrounded it. Whether you supported Liverpool, Manchester City, Leeds United, Leicester City, Tottenham Hotspur, Southampton, Chelsea, Newcastle United, West Ham United, Norwich City, Coventry City, Ipswich Town, Derby County, Manchester United, there’s a Lost World edition that will strike a chord with your own footballing memories. Taking The Lost World of Liverpool as an example, the book is a treasure trove of memorabilia, forgotten artefacts, and quirky details from the club’s past. It celebrates everything from classic matchday programmes and retro kits to Panini stickers, Subbuteo teams, and the match-going experience of yesteryear. The authors have a knack for blending well-researched history with lighthearted storytelling, making the book both informative and deeply personal. One of the series’ greatest strengths is its ability to capture the emotional connection fans have with their club’s past. The imagery is stunning, packed with rare photos of bygone football culture, and the commentary is engaging and humorous, full of anecdotes that will resonate with anyone who remembers a time before football was all about social media engagement and global marketing. While modern football has its own merits, Got, Not Got reminds us of the things we’ve lost along the way—the simple joys of swapping stickers in the playground, of queuing outside the club shop for a woolly scarf, of players who felt like local heroes rather than distant superstars. In short, the Got, Not Got: The Lost World series is a must-read for any nostalgic football fan. Whether you’re revisiting your own childhood memories or discovering what football culture used to be like, these books are an absolute joy from start to finish. Find your books here
Middlesbrough F.C. as Seen Through the Era of Cigarette Cards by David Harnby and Harry Greenmon
For enthusiasts of football history and memorabilia, Middlesbrough F.C. as Seen Through the Era of Cigarette Cards by David Harnby and Harry Greenmon offers a unique and captivating glimpse into the club’s storied past. This meticulously researched volume delves into the rich tapestry of Middlesbrough Football Club, as chronicled through the evocative medium of vintage cigarette cards. Cigarette cards, popular from the late 19th century through the mid-20th century, served as both collectible items and informative snapshots of the era’s sporting icons. Harnby and Greenmon have painstakingly curated a comprehensive collection of these cards, each featuring Middlesbrough players, team line-ups, and significant moments in the club’s history. The authors provide insightful commentary on each card, shedding light on the players’ careers, the artistic styles of the illustrations, and the cultural context in which these cards were produced. The book is richly illustrated, with high-quality reproductions of the cigarette cards that allow readers to appreciate the intricate details and artistry of each piece. Beyond the visual appeal, the narrative offers a chronological journey through Middlesbrough F.C.’s development, highlighting key events, matches, and personalities that have shaped the club. One of the standout features of this work is its ability to transport readers back in time, providing a tangible connection to the club’s heritage. Whether you’re a lifelong supporter of Middlesbrough F.C. or a general football aficionado, this book offers a fascinating exploration of the intersection between sports and collectible art forms.
The Official History of Pompey Cards & Stickers by Ed Emptage
For Portsmouth FC enthusiasts and collectors alike, The Official History of Pompey Cards & Stickers by Ed Emptage offers a comprehensive and nostalgic journey through the club’s rich history as depicted in collectible cards and stickers. Published in February 2023, this 204-page volume serves as a testament to over a century of memorabilia, capturing the evolution of Pompey’s visual heritage from the early 1900s to the present day.
Emptage, a dedicated Pompey supporter and avid collector, embarked on this project in 2015, meticulously curating a collection that showcases the transformation of collectible media—from vintage cigarette cards to modern offerings by Panini and Topps. The book not only highlights the aesthetic and cultural significance of these items but also provides a unique lens through which to view the club’s historical highs and lows.
One of the standout features of this publication is its ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia, making it a delightful trip down memory lane for fans of all ages. The high-quality reproductions of cards and stickers, accompanied by insightful commentary, offer readers an immersive experience into the world of Pompey collectibles.
In addition to celebrating the club’s past, proceeds from the book contribute to a legacy project for Portsmouth FC’s 125th anniversary. The initiative aims to commission a replica of the Division Three South title the club secured in 1924, further enriching the club’s storied trophy cabinet.
Get your copy here.
The Redmen of Liverpool FC: The Tobacco Years by George Rowlands
For aficionados of football history and memorabilia, The Redmen of Liverpool FC: The Tobacco Years by George Rowlands offers a captivating exploration into a bygone era of the sport. This meticulously researched volume delves into the early 20th century, a time when cigarette cards served as one of the primary mediums for fans to connect with their football heroes.
In the late 19th century, American tobacco company Allen and Ginter began inserting plain cards into cigarette packets to protect their products. This practice quickly evolved, with companies adorning these “stiffeners” with images of popular personalities, including footballers. These collectible cards became a widespread phenomenon, offering fans a tangible connection to their favourite players in an age before widespread photography and motion pictures.
Rowlands, born in Bootle in 1938, brings a personal touch to this historical account. His lifelong passion for Liverpool FC and cigarette card collecting is evident as he presents every Liverpool player featured on these vintage cards. Accompanied by biographical details and contextual notes, the book provides a comprehensive look at the players who donned the Liverpool jersey during the tobacco card craze.
The book is richly illustrated, showcasing full-colour reproductions of these rare cards. Each page serves as a visual feast, transporting readers back to a time when collecting these cards was a cherished pastime. Beyond the imagery, Rowlands offers insightful commentary on the cultural and historical significance of the cards, making it more than just a pictorial archive.
Get your copy here
The Illustrated Footballer by Tony Ambrosen
For enthusiasts of football history and memorabilia, The Illustrated Footballer by Tony Ambrosen offers a comprehensive exploration into the depiction of footballers on trade cards. Published in 1989, this meticulously researched volume delves into the rich tapestry of football imagery, chronicling the evolution of player portrayals from the late 19th century through the 20th century.
Ambrosen, a member of both the Association of Football Statisticians and the Cartophilic Society, combines his dual passions for football and card collecting to present an authoritative account of this niche subject. The book is structured chronologically, guiding readers through the early days of cigarette cards, the golden era of trade cards, and the modern incarnations of football collectibles.
One of the standout features of The Illustrated Footballer is its extensive visual content. The book boasts a plethora of high-quality reproductions of rare and iconic cards, allowing readers to appreciate the artistry and historical significance of each piece. Accompanying the visuals are detailed narratives that provide context about the production, distribution, and cultural impact of these cards.
Ambrosen’s writing is both informative and engaging, striking a balance between scholarly research and accessible storytelling. He offers insights into the socio-economic factors that influenced the production of football trade cards and highlights the role these collectibles played in popularizing the sport.
While the book is a treasure trove for seasoned collectors, it also serves as an excellent primer for newcomers interested in the intersection of football culture and collectible art forms. The meticulous documentation and rich illustrations make it a valuable reference work for anyone keen on exploring this facet of football history.
Get your copy here