How Did Sports Begin: A Look at the Origins of Man at Play

Synopsis

What sport was once credited with halting the declining British marriage rate? How did "love" find its way into tennis scoring, or the bull's-eye into archery? How did badminton get its name? What is the only sport invented in America? Sports are as old as time, and the story of where and how they were first played and how they evolved into present-day form is entertaining reading, full of surprises. From cricket and croquet to water skiing and wrestling, forty-five different sports are given their genesis here. Some had mysterious beginnings: the fatherhood of baseball was in dispute for years. Some are older than we would imagine: skis are thought to be more than 5,000 years old, and football dates from 2nd-century China. Others came into existence by accident: a headache led to the discovery of the modern-day Ping-Pong bat! Whatever your interest-and which of us hasn't succumbed to the lure of "the game," either personally or vicariously?-Dr. Brasch's learned eye will turn up fascinating data to satisfy the curiosity of spectators and participants alike. Dr. R. Brasch, chief minister of Temple Emanuel in Sydney, is a student of twelve languages. He is also a broadcaster, telecaster, and contributor to numerous international magazines and journals, and has lectured at universities in America, England, Ireland, South Africa, and Australia. Among his previous books are The Judaic Heritage; Mexico-A Country of Contrasts; and How Did It Begin?, which explores the origins of customs, superstitions, and habits that influence our lives today.

Copyright:

1970

Book Details

Book Quality:

Excellent

Book Size:

438 Pages

Publisher:

DAVID McKAY COMPANY, INC

Date of Addition:

06/21/15

Copyrighted By:

R. BRASCH

Adult content:

No

Language:

English

Has Image Descriptions:

No

Categories:

History, Nonfiction, Sports

Submitted By:

Shelley L. Rhodes

Proofread By:

BeckyVM

Usage Restrictions:

This is a copyrighted book.