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A People's History of Tennis

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A People's History of Tennis unravels the untold stories beneath tennis's polished surface, tracing its roots from Victorian Britain to today. This book explores the sport’s complex past marked by struggles over sexuality, gender, race and class, highlighting its origins in working-class and LGBTQ+ communities. Far beyond the pristine lawns and traditions, it reveals how these battles reshaped the game and sport generally.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$7200

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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

Ideal for readers interested in the social history of sport, tennis enthusiasts eager to learn the hidden stories behind the game, and those passionate about issues of diversity and equality in athletics.

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Tennis is much more than Wimbledon! This story reveals the hidden history of the sport.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Longlisted for the William Hill Sports Book of the Year 2020

Financial Times, Best Sports Books of 2020

Pristine lawns, tennis whites, strawberries and cream β€” tennis is synonymous with the upper echelons of society. But scratch beneath the surface and you'll quickly discover a different history, one of untold struggles on and off the courts.

From the birth of modern tennis in Victorian Britain to the present day, we bear witness to struggles around sexuality, gender, race, and class that have transformed the nature of tennis and sport itself. A People's History of Tennis is populated by diverse voices, recounting the sport's gay origins, 'Workers' Wimbledon', battles for gender equality, and more.

Going beyond centre court, this book reveals the hidden history of the game, providing a rich account of the challenges faced and victories won.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780745339658

Publisher: Pluto Press

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 20 May 2020

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Pluto Press

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 135.0mm

Height: 215.0mm

Weight: 330g

Pages: 256

About the Author

David Berry is a writer, journalist and filmmaker. He was a documentary director at BBC Television for twenty-five years. He has written about health and leisure for a wide variety of publications including the Guardian, the Mirror, Prospect and the New Statesman. He has been playing tennis since he was eleven years old.

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