Sport in America Vol. 2 : From Colonial Leisure to Celebrity Figures and Globalization

by Wiggins, David

• ISBN13: 9780736078863
• ISBN10: 073607886X
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2009-11-11
• Publisher: Human Kinetics

Summary

Sport in America: From Colonial Leisure to Celebrity Figures and Globalization , Volume II, presents 18 thought-provoking essays focusing on the changes and patterns in American sport during six distinct eras over the past 400 years. The selections are entirely different from those in the first volume, discussing diverse topics such as views of sport in the Puritan society of colonial New England, gender roles and the croquet craze of the 1800s, and the Super Bowl's place in contemporary sport. Each of the six parts includes an introduction to the essays, allowing readers to relate them to the cultural changes and influences of the period. Readers will find essays on well-known topics written by established scholars as well as new approaches and views from recent studies. Suitable for use as a stand-alone or supplemental text in undergraduate and graduate sport history courses, Sport in Americaprovides students with opportunities to examine selected sport topics in more depth, realize a greater understanding of sport throughout history, and consider the interrelationships of sport and other societal institutions. Essays are arranged chronologically from the early American period to the present day to provide the proper historical context and offer perspective on changes that have occurred in sport over time. Also, a list of suggested readings provided in each part offers readers the opportunity to expand their thinking on the nature of sport throughout American history. Essays on how Pinehurst Golf Course was created, the interconnection between sport and the World War I military experience, and discussion of sport icons such as Joe Louis, Walter Camp, Jackie Robinson, and Cal Ripken Jr. allow readers to explore sport as a reflection of the changing values and norms of society. Sport in America: From Colonial Leisure to Celebrity Figures and Globalization, Volume II, provides students and scholars with perspectives regarding the role of sport at particular moments in American history and gives them an appreciation for the complex intersections of sport with society and culture.

Author Biography

David K. Wiggins, PhD, is director of the School of Recreation, Health and Tourism at George Mason University in Manassas, Virginia. Since earning his PhD from the University of Maryland in 1979, Wiggins has taught undergraduate and graduate courses in sport history at Kansas State University and George Mason University. Wiggins is an expert on American sport, particularly as it relates to the involvement of black athletes in sport and physical activity. He has written about sport history since 1980 and published 8 books as well as articles in numerous journals, including Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, Journal of Sport History, Canadian Journal of History of Sport, and the International Journal of History of Sport.

Table of Contents

Sober Mirth and Pleasant Poisons: Puritan Ambivalence Toward Leisure and Recreation in Colonial New England

Horses and Gentlemen: The Cultural Significance of Gambling Among the Gentry of Virginia

Pedestrianism, Billiards, Boxing, and Animal Sports

Going to Bat for Jackie Robinson: The Jewish Role in Breaking Baseball's Color Line

Toil and Trouble: A Parable of Hard Work and Fun

The Fight for Title IX

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