Born the son of an army officer in 1934, he spent his childhood in India playing barefoot football in the streets with the local kids. From there he returned as a young man to Bath, where he played for a local miner's side before following his father into the Army. It was in the forces that his football ability began to really shine. After a short period in service, Book became a bricklayer and played for various local sides before joining his home-town team of Bath City. It was there that he first met manager Malcolm Allison - a figure who was to play an influential part in Book's later career. In 1964, shortly before his 30th birthday, Book was transferred to league club Plymouth Argyle, where he played for two years before former boss Allison, by then co-manager at Manchester City, who convinced his partner Joe Mercer to take a chance on the now veteran full-back. The risk paid off as Book went on to captain the team throughout their most successful period, during which they won every domestic trophy, as well as the European Cup-Winners' Cup.
Book was the recipient of the first-ever Manchester City Supporters Club Player of the Year award in 1967 and was voted joint Football Writers' Association Footballer of the Year in 1969.
