George Best (1) (1946–2005)

Despite my careful collation of a reading list I ended up reading the George Best autobiography, 'Blessed'. I think the title was ironic. He died shortly after it was completed. I imagine due to a relapse into alcoholism. I enjoyed the bits about football and anecdotes about him as a young triallist for Manchester United just going back home without kicking a ball as he was homesick. But football was only a small percentage of his life - and the book. The blurb promised a confrontation with his 'demons' but his is a very unreflective story. He hated talking about his feelings and his biography is a one dimensional cycle of blackouts, car crashes and sex with beautiful women. Even the fact that his sister emigrated to apartheid South Africa is mentioned without remark. Occasionally a door opens a crack. For example he talks about the famous story when a room service guy is clearing up around his hotel bedroom. George is in a bed strewn with money and empty champagne bottles. Miss World is in the bathroom and room service guy asks, 'Where did it all go wrong?' As told on the chat show circuits it is a well polished anecdote about what a different game and a different order of success George was playing to. In the book though he concedes that the guy may, after all, have had a point. George Best spent much of his life depressed and ill with the outward trappings of success. The book doesn't look at why or even considers the damage his behaviour causes. Who knows it's even possible Miss Worlds may have had human feelings.… (mer)