La Roja is bestselling author Jimmy Burns tremendous opus on Spanish soccer. From its early beginnings when the first soccer on the shores of Bilbao and Buenos Aires was played by British sailors and engineers, through to the influx of South American stars, and similarly inspirational Italians, Dutchman and Scandinavians, Burns show how the engagement of foreigners with home-grown Spanish talent overcame political adversity and produced football of sublime skill and passion that intoxicates fans around the world. The book takes us on a journey through some of the extraordinary characters, classic matches, and brutal controversies that have defined Spanish football from the early days when a few enthusiasts developed their talent kicking a ball on a piece of industrial waste ground, to the emergence of rival giants, FC Barcelona and Real Madrid- the most powerful and successful football clubs in the world- to the Franco regime (that propped up the Madrid team) and democracy (where Barca has ruled), to and a national team that, encompassing all, became the world's champion. “ La Roja: How Soccer Conquered Spain and How Spanish Soccer Conquered the World by Jimmy Burns is the single, most comprehensive resource on the history of Spanish soccer….[Burns's] passion and enthusiasm shines through the retelling of history, great games and players, important coaches and administrators, the highs and lows of the Spanish game. Burns unearths some great history: players, teams, and matches that would have been forgotten without this book….If you want to truly know Spanish soccer, you have to buy this title. You will come to appreciate the Spanish game so much more after reading this….It is an incredible story told by one of the world's best experts on Spanish soccer. Simply put, La Roja is a must read!”  Library Journal Xpress Reviews, starred “Burns gives us a book that rivals the best in recent soccer writing….Highly recommended as among the best soccer books of 2012.”  The Sunday Indian (India) “Jimmy Burns' definitive account of Spanish football both on and off the field...comes as a whiff of fresh air….The level of research undertaken by the author is simply breathtaking.”  Can-India (Canada) “ La Roja shows itself to be well-researched and solidly put together….this is a very good book….This is not a book about Barcelona and it is not a book for the sycophantic looking to hear of their team praised on high. It is history: sometimes dry, often fascinating, and always looking to explain modern misconceptions.”  The Independent (UK) “[A] masterly exploration of Spanish football….a fascinating account….The richness of Spanish football's myth and history is at least the equal of Britain's, and Burns has done a tremendous job of setting it in the context of the country's wider history. If, on 1 July, Spain become the first team to retain the European Championship, there would be no better tribute to them than this fine book.”  The Tablet (UK) “Burns takes readers on a journey from the sport's turn-of-the-century introduction by British miners in Spain's southern region to the 2010 World Cup triumph in Johannesburg. This is not, however, a book just about soccer. It's also about culture, politics and religion….Burns's work is as graceful and entertaining as Xavi Hernandez and Andres Iniesta, La Roja's modern-day geniuses.”  Zeenews.com (India) “[La Roja] takes us on a journey through some of the extraordinary characters, games, and moments that have defined Spanish football from the early days.”  ESPN Soccernet “ La Roja succeeds because it is a history lesson focused on more than names and dates….Without a doubt, La Roja is an essential contribution to the historiography of Spanish football.”  Kirkus Reviews , starred review “[Burns has] a fine eye for tragedy and irony both political and on the pitch. Spain's dominance is remarkable, especially because of the long odds that the country's history forced its players to overcome, and Burns rises to the challenge of telling this intertwined saga.”  The Volunteer “[A]n informative and entertaining history of Spanish soccer….Burns knows the Spanish soccer scene like the back of his hand.”  101 Great Goals “[A] fantastic read.”  International Soccer Network “Jimmy Burns is amongst one of the best writers out there and in his latest book, La Roja , he leaves no doubt as well as no stone unturned…. La Roja is not just a tremendous book to read. Jimmy Burns' latest book is an educational tool for fans of Spanish football and fans of the game in general. The information as well as the passion reflect how they live and breathe the Beautiful Game in that country.” Carlos Briceno, Barcelona Soccer Institute (blog) “[An] absorbing book… this book is a must read. It will make you appreciate the game even more than you do…. I imagine one of the ambitious tasks Burns set for himself when he started writing this book was to capture the soul of a nation, as seen throug