We live in a culture in which sports play an important role. The growth in broadcasting, merchandising, iconography and the commercialization of sports has led to an increasing interest in the emerging field of sports culture. This book examines individual issues, people, artefacts, events and organizations in their historical, social and cultural contexts. Coverage is wide-ranging with more than 170 entries including: aggression Bosman Case corruption drugs eating disorders Fever Pitch Field of Dreams Michael Jordan Don King left-handedness nationalism paternity racism Raging Bull rivalries tobacco The book also includes suggestions for further reading to help with further study, and a comprehensive index.'Entertaining, informative and stimulating of new ideas, just the sort of reference to have close at hand and dip into from time time, either for information or inspiration. It is more suited to the academic than the public library, but a must for all those supporting studies in sport.'- Reference Reviews
'As well as being a valuable introduction to the subject, the book has suggestions for further reading, and is enjoyable to dip into.'- Library Association RecordEllis Cashmore is the author of Making Sense of Sport, The Black Culture Industryand other titles on the issues of culture, media and sports. He is professor of culture, media and sports at Staffordshire University.