Beginnings of a Commercial Sporting Culture in Britain, 1793-1850

Notes:

Focuses on the development of organised competitive sport between 1793 and 1850 when a 'substantial, essentially homogeneous, commercial sporting culture grew up in Britain, servicing a mass public' and facilitated by a national sporting press. Explains how, post 1850, the nature of sport development significantly changed. Also covers the widespread existence of fraud and corruption. Chapters include: 'Genesis - a national sporting culture is born'; 'Sex, sport and sales - the sporting press'; 'No time for idleness? - the law and sport, 1793-1815'; 'You can all join in - the law and sport, 1816-50'; 'How many rats can you eat in a minute? - the rules of sport'; ''Big crowds, big money - mass entertainment comes to Britain'; 'Better than working for a living - professional sportsmen ... and women'. Sports covered include bull baiting, cockfighting, horse racing, pugilism [boxing], as well as rowing, wrestling, cricket, football. The press covered includes 'Bell's Life in London'; 'Bell's Weekly Messenger' and 'Sporting Magazine'