Among the Thugs

By: Bill Buford

Narrated by: Bill Buford

They have names like Barmy Bernie, Daft Donald, and Steamin' Sammy. They like lager (in huge quantities), the Queen, football clubs (especially Manchester United), and themselves. Their dislike encompasses the rest of the known universe, and England's soccer thugs express it in ways that range from mere vandalism to riots that terrorize entire cities. Now Bill Buford, editor of the prestigious journal Granta, enters this alternate society and records both its savageries and its sinister allure with the social imagination of a George Orwell and the raw personal engagement of a Hunter Thompson.

Critic reviews

“A grotesque, horrifying, repellent and gorgeous book; A Clockwork Orange come to life.” —John Gregory Dunne

"An important, perhaps prophetic, book ... both exciting and sad at the core.... [Buford is] a superbly talented reporter." —The New York Times Book Review

"Brilliant ... one of the most unnerving books you will ever read." —Newsweek

Like Michael Herr or Ryszard Kapuscinski, Buford has witnessed events which can only be compared in intensity to those of a war ... an unflinching look into the festering soul of England ... a fuckin' great read." —David Byrne

Animated, witty, and so pungent you can taste the stale lager." —Washington Post Book World

Wow…!

If you are interested in European Futbol, the pathology of mobs, the social science of the disaffected, the draw of identity, gangs, history, policing, gratuitous violence, or whimsical story telling, this is a recommended read! Highly resonant over 30 years later, this book has something to reveal about topics as diverse as East London gentrification, south Central LA gang life, and the MAGA movement. A person could read it and make a strong argument against the 2nd amendment and another read and make a strong defense of it. It should be more talked about, because it is prepared to talk to us.

Thoughtful, eloquent, humorous, honest.

Thoroughly enjoyed this. It’s not often you hear an educated description of violence, mix in an honest account of its motivation and attraction, top it off with a dry subtle humor and you get this great book. The author narrates it perfectly.

It holds up

I originally read this in 1992 or so, on paper— it was thrilling then— but as I know now many years later about the social strife in England at the time, it’s a testament to its era.

I learned a lot more now, many years later with hindsight by responsibly following closely to global politics and machination of despair, anger, violence among common people— even here in America 2024.

I think in my youth I glorified the anarchy of the supporters, but now know it is better how the story actually closes. No spoiler, highly recommended.

very vivid and gripping

very enjoyable. I like Mr. Buford's writing very much. probably the best of the three books I've listened to of his. I enjoyed him reading it. well worth the time.

Wow, just wow

A very raw and uncomfortable look into a world Bill Buford could almost made me understand.