Rules of Association Football 1863

the long version

"The First Rule Book of Association Football changed the face of football forever. Without it the 'beautiful game' would have remained a riotous free-for-all with a bewildering number of rules, some of which even allowed the ball to be caught. Instead, thanks to a group of Oxbridge graduates, The Football Association was formed and thirteen original rules set down, allowing the game to spread throughout the world. This book sets out those rules as they were first written, and shows how they represent the spirit of the game and the honesty, courage and skill of those who play it." --Book Jacket.