Emergence of Footballing Cultures: Manchester, 1840-1919

This book explores the history of football in Manchester from 1840 to 1919, tracing its development from a minor activity to a significant business with numerous popular clubs and a supporting industry. It is the first academic study of the sport's development in Manchester and contributes to the understanding of football's origins.

Format: Hardback
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 03 July 2019
Publisher: Manchester University Press

This comprehensive study of Manchester football, authored by renowned football historian Gary James, delves into the sport's historical trajectory, from its emergence to its current status as the city's premier team sport. Spanning from 1840 to 1919, this period witnessed a remarkable transformation of football in Manchester, evolving from a marginal and occasionally illegal activity into a significant commercial enterprise with a multitude of popular football clubs and a thriving supporting industry.

This book stands as a groundbreaking contribution to the field of sports historiography. It is the first academic exploration into the evolution of association football in Manchester, directly connected to the latest developments and debates within sports history regarding the origins of football. By incorporating a regional perspective, this study contextualizes the growth of football in Manchester and identifies the communities that played a pivotal role in propagating and developing the sport.

The authors have conducted extensive research to ensure that this work becomes the definitive study of regional football. The book offers a wealth of information, drawing from a wide range of primary and secondary sources, including newspapers, official records, and interviews with key individuals involved in the football scene. This thoroughness ensures that the reader gains a comprehensive understanding of the sport's development in Manchester, its social and cultural significance, and its impact on the broader sporting landscape.

In conclusion, this study of Manchester football by Gary James is a remarkable achievement that provides valuable insights into the sport's historical development. It is a must-read for football enthusiasts, sports historians, and anyone interested in understanding the role of sports in shaping society and culture. Through its comprehensive analysis and regional focus, this book sets a new standard for academic studies in sports history and contributes significantly to our understanding of the past and present of football in Manchester.

Weight: 550g
Dimension: 241 x 160 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526114471