“One of the causes of the downfall of Rome was that people, being fed by the State… ceased to have any responsibility for themselves or their children, and consequently became a nation of wasters. They frequented circuses, where paid performers appeared before them in the arena, much as we see the crowds now flocking to look on at paid players playing football… Thousands of boys and young men, pale, narrow-chested, hunched-up, miserable specimens, smoking endless …showed first 75 words of 1685 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1685 total…to anyone interested in crowd theory. I had heard of people dying at European soccer matches prior to reading this book, but I always just assumed that it was rare and some sort of freak accident. Buford’s experiences and insight have made me more aware of how, and why crowds become violent. I know one thing; I am going to stay the hell away from football matches if I ever visit Europe. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **Bibliography**