Arsenal Opus, Not A Book, It's THE Book
Feb 7th, 2008 by 'holic
I am extremely lucky to come from a North London background. As the son of a fanatical Arsenal supporter I was to benefit in my formative years, not just from Dad’s memories, but his books and programmes as well. There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that my love of reading was inspired by Bernard Joy’s book, ‘Forward Arsenal’. It was as far as I can tell the first, and the definitive, history of Arsenal’s first seven decades. I still dip into it today, and if you keep your eyes peeled you will find it on eBay for a few pounds.
In recent months the publicity for the forthcoming release of the Arsenal Opus has caught my eye. It takes the reporting of Arsenal’s history to a whole new level, with 850 pages measuring half a square metre each carrying two thousand images, half of which have never been seen before.
Like most Gooners I knew I submitted my photograph to the O2 competition before Christmas in the hope of securing the prize of an Opus signed by Arsene Wenger. My effort (on page 21 of the ‘Best of the rest’ in the unlikely event that you are interested!) failed miserably to capture the judges imagination.
Now it would appear we have another chance to secure that treasured tome, simply by voting for our favourite fan photo in from the eleven finalists selected by Arsene Wenger himself. The winning shot will be published in the winner’s very own Arsenal Opus, signed by Arsene Wenger and presented at the home game against Middlesbrough in March. Arsenal merchandise and match tickets are also up for grabs.
I will be publishing the final eleven pics between now and the end of February as a reminder. If you are one of the finalists I would love to hear a bit more about your Arsenal background, and the story behind the photo. Jealous though I am, I’ll happily share your thoughts with the other ‘holics. We would love one of our own to win the big prize.
So all that remains is for you to get over to the O2 Arsenal Opus website and cast your vote, and good luck. If you win it it I will be round for a look!
8 Responses to “Arsenal Opus, Not A Book, It's THE Book”
You aren’t kidding about a “whole new level” either – this book can only be described as sumptuous. I first saw the Opus displayed at an Arsenal event, and they had a pair of soft cotton gloves next to it as you weren’t allowed to touch the pages in any other way. It’s the size of it that first grabs your attention. Then the way the content is lavishly presented – the whole layout, and different styles of the pages and sections; the mixture of colour and B&W photos of different size.
It is special and if I could afford it I would have splashed out for it. As it was, on the day I was at a PR day with another couple of dozen people, and we were all competing to win it but I didn’t get lucky. The only upside is not needing to build an extension to house it!
The drawing is for UK residents only 🙁
Are you that bloke from Arseblog?
Heavens no Jackster, I can’t afford a sub-editor!
I’d love to get a chance to vote for the picture. And I’d love to get my hands on the Opus. But apparently, it isn’t set up for Gooners in the United States.
In any event, the picture of the child holding the tickets is priceless!
I entered a competition too… No luck there either…
Hey ‘holic, just heard you on Arsecast. Good session mate! :o)
Actually siren I am a doddery old fool and blogs had to edit out several long pauses, loads of er’s, and 274 instances of me saying ‘they are morally responsible’. Serves him right for phoning me at four in the morning, even though it is the only time he thought he could catch me sober!