Böcker av Thomas S. Henricks

An exploration of the development of English sport during the eight centuries preceding the industrial era. Focusing on outdoor activities that involved intergroup competition among adults, Henricks argues that sport was a sophisticated and "rational" experience, connected to society in many ways.

Thought-provoking meditation on how people discover and reproduce the 'meaning' of their social life - includes the impact of electronic media.

The author argues that rather than viewing play simply as a preoccupation and a vehicle for skill development, it is a social and cultural phenomenon of adult life, enveloped by wider structures and processes of society. The author distinguishes play from other forms of human social expression, particularly ritual, communitas, and work.