The Emergence of Football: Sport, Culture and Society in the Nineteenth Century

The Emergence of Football explores how the Industrial Revolution shaped the development of the sport and highlights the enduring working-class culture of football throughout the 19th century. It is a must-read for students and scholars of sports history, economics, social and cultural history, urban and local history, and sociology.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 248 pages
Publication date: 09 January 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The Emergence of Football intertwines the rich tapestry of sports history with the broader realms of economic, social, and cultural history, providing a captivating perspective on the evolution of the beloved game. By placing the development of football within the context of the Industrial Revolution, the book challenges conventional narratives that have traditionally focused on mass games and the influence of public schools. It expands upon the revisionist critique of these histories by employing innovative and original empirical evidence, offering a fresh and nuanced understanding of the past.

The book meticulously outlines the enduring presence of a working-class footballing culture throughout the nineteenth century. It argues that the structure of football itself was a product of industrialization, urbanization, and population growth, which led to a profound restructuring of the class system and urban hierarchies. These new social structures played a pivotal role in the birth of professional football in the late 1870s.

This comprehensive work is an invaluable resource for students and scholars alike, spanning the fields of sports studies, economic history, social history, urban and local history, and sociology. It sheds light on the complex interplay between sports, society, and culture, providing valuable insights into the historical development of football and its profound impact on the world. Whether you are an avid sports enthusiast, a historian, or a sociologist, this book offers an absorbing and fascinating journey into the early origins of football, offering a wealth of knowledge and insights that will captivate readers of all ages.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367523510