Product Description

Tells the story of Rugby League through times of great social, political and economic upheaval, using previously unexplored archival sources to illuminate the class-conscious structures that shaped the development of the sport.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #284280 in Books
• Published on: 2006-04-18
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 272 pages

Review

'It is only a slight exaggeration to say that this is the book rugby league has needed for the past 111 years.' -  The Independent, September 2006

'There is no doubt that Tony Collins's Rugby League in 20th Century Britain is the major [sports] publishing event of the year. Treasures lurk on every page to make it worth every penny.' - Independent

From the Back Cover

Called ‘the greatest game of all’ by its supporters but often overlooked by the cultural mainstream, no sport is more identified with England’s northern working class than rugby league.

This book traces the story of the sport from the Northern Union of the 1900s to the formation of the Super League in the 1990s, through war, depression, boom and deindustrialisation, into a new economic and social age.

Using a range of previously unexplored archival sources, this extremely readable and deeply researched book considers the impact of two world wars, the significance of the game’s expansion to Australasia and the momentous decision to take rugby league to Wembley. It investigates the history of rugby union’s long-running war against league, and the sport’s troubled relationship with the national media.

Most importantly, this book sheds new light on issues of social class and working-class masculinity, regional identity and the profound impact of the decline of Britain’s traditional industries. For all those interested in the history of sport and working-class culture, this is essential reading.

Customer Reviews

Excellent history of league.
Tony Collins traces the whole history of our game from its origins in the late 1800's through to Super League. His explanations are always plain, accessible and fair. While political shenanigans can often be difficult to follow, this book does an excellent job of unfolding them and showing what was really at stake. He is clear on the class wars that were under the surface of the troubled relationship with the other code.
Whatever period of the game's history may interest you, you'll find something to increase your understanding and make you think.
It's a model of popular social history.