Sport in Britain 1945–2000

This book provides a lively and authoritative history of British sport in an era of dramatic changes for both players and fans.

Beginning at a time when sport was still largely a male preserve and professional footballers were paid as manual workers, the authors trace developments to the present day through the decline of amateurism, the rise of a celebrity sporting culture, the increasing intervention of government and the role of sport, especially football, as an expression of civic and national identity. The book examines a wide range of major sports and includes discussion of the contribution of women and ethnic minorities to sport in Britain.

A central theme is the role of the media in shaping British sport in the second half of the twentieth century. This book offers new perspectives on a major aspect of British social life, setting the great performances and personalities of post–war sport in the context of the changing social history of the nation.

Preface.

1. Playing and Watching.

2. Reconstruction, 1945–1952.

3. Amateurism.

4. The Professionals.

5. Media and Celebrity.

6. Civic and National Identity.

7. Governments and Sport.

Conclusion.

Bibliography.

Index.

Richard Holt is the author of several books and articles on the history of sport including Sport and Society in Modern France (1981) and Sport and the British (1989). He also edited Sport and the Working Class in Modern Britain (1991).

Tony Mason is the author of numerous works on modern sports including Association Football and English Society (1980) and Passion of the People: football in South America (1995). He also edited Sport in Britain: a social history (1989).

Richard Holt and Tony Mason are members of the International Centre for Sports History and Culture, De Montfort University, Leicester.

"Any book by Holt or Mason is recommended reading, but one by Holt and Mason is mandatory as this book has proved ... I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, I learnt much and congratulate Holt and Mason on a fine publication." British Journal of Teaching Physical Education <!––end––>