The Story of Sport in England

This book gives a fascinating history of the English experience of sportfollowing its development through the centuries from its earliest beginnings insocial pl... » 

This book gives a fascinating history of the English experience of sportfollowing its development through the centuries from its earliest beginnings insocial play and pastimes via its adoption as an alternative to the clockwatching routine of urban life to its modern incarnation as a global business.Key themes and issues in the evolution of sport are examined includingsocial structures such as the division between amateurs andprofessionals the growth of the popular press and the influence oftelevision the postwar emergence of sports ???welfarism??? and???sport for all??? globalization and commercialization.Looking ahead to the future the author asks whether our sports experience isturning full circle and if in the twentyfirst century we are returning to aforgotten view of sport as a pastime and recreation. «