First published in 1979, this classic study of the development of rugby from folk game to its modern Union and League forms has become a seminal text in sport history. In a new epilogue the authors provide sociological analysis of the major developments in international ruby that have taken place since 1979, with particular attention to the professionalism that was predicted in the first edition of this text. Sports lovers, rugby fans and students of the history and sociology of sport will find it invaluable.Rugby football is descended from winter 'folk games' which were a deeply rooted tradition in pre-industrial Britain. This was the first book to study the development of Rugby from this folk tradition to the game in its modern forms. The folk forms of football were extremely violent and serious injuries - even death - were a common feature. The game was refined in the public schools who played a crucial role in formulating the rules which required footballers to exercise greater self-control. With the spread of rugby into the wider society, the Rugby Football Union was founded but class tensions led to the split between Rugby Union and Rugby League. The authors examine the changes that led to the professionalisation of Rugby Union as well as the alleged resurgence of violence in the modern game.

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Product Description: First Published in 2004. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor and Francis, an informa company.

First Published in 2004. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

Product Description: The last major work by one of our century's most influential social theorists, The Germans is a penetrating account of German social development, from the seventeenth century to the present. Enhanced by his deep understanding of other Western European nations, Norbert Elias's incisive analyses of nationalism, violence, and the breakdown of civilization will be an indispensable resource for those interested in modern European history and sociology and in European studies...read more

Product Description: This vital new handbook marks the development of sports studies as a major new discipline within the social sciences. Edited by the leading sociologist of sport, Eric Dunning, and author of the best selling textbook on sport in the USA, Jay Coakley, it both reflects and richly endorses this new found status...read more (view table of contents, read Amazon.com's description)

Product Description: Why do people choose to spend their leisure time in sports which verge on violence? What impulses are involved? Does the violence in and around sport, and the group behaviour sport gives rise to, reflect social and psychological trends? What role does sport play in the creation of masculine identities? Drawing on Norbert Elias's work on the civilizing process, this book reviews aspects of sport in society through the ages, and develops a theory of leisure which encompasses sociological, psychological and biological perspectives...read more