London's overall contribution to all kinds of sport is virtually unknown. This book, published in the year that the capital has been awarded the 2012 Olympic Games, sets out to remedy this. It describes the history and development of sports in London, and highlights the many ways in which the city has encouraged, formulated and popularised sports as diverse as snooker and golf.
We all know about the world standing of Wimbledon and the MCC, but London is also the home of national organisations devoted to racing, rowing, darts, croquet and baseball as well. London probably gave birth to boxing, and Doggett's Coat and Badge race each year along the Thames from the City to Chelsea is the oldest rowing race in the world. In the London region was also staged Britain's first polo match, cycle race, indoor althetics meeting - and also the first 1,000 break in billiards.
The author delves also into amateur sport in London, played out with few spectators on obscure pitches and in relatively unknown venues.
The book is a fascinating trawl from archery to weightlifting, together with many illustrations.
Format : 242x181
Binding : Hardback
Pages : 192
Illustrations : 142
Published : 2005
