How Football Began
Book description
This ambitious and fascinating history considers why, in the space of sixty years between 1850 and 1910, football grew from a marginal and unorganised activity to become the dominant winter entertainment for millions of people around the world.
The book explores how the world's football codes - soccer, rugby league,…
Why read it?
2 authors picked How Football Began as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?
I loved this book and learned so much about how all the major football forms evolved in the late 19th century, not just soccer.
The writer tells the tale of how a dying folk game revived by private schools in England exploded in growth over a couple of decades to become the pre-eminent form of recreation.
The book also recounts the schisms that saw ‘football’ evolve into the numerous codes we know today throughout the world. Incredibly well-researched, I found it an essential and fascinating read on the game’s origins.
From Gavin's list on understanding the amazing global history of men's soccer.
Sport may be for recreation and considered not a serious subject, but Tony Collins shows why it is an important part of social history.
As the world’s seven football codes – Soccer, Rugby Union, Rugby League, Aussie Rules, Gaelic, American, and Canadian football emerged in the 19th century and early 20th century, they engaged the world’s masses and dominate global entertainment.
It’s one of the best history books you will ever read.
From Tim's list on the world on economic and social history.
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