Richard Holt is the author of several books and articles on the history of sport including Sport and Society in Modern France (1981) and Sport and the British (1989). He also edited Sport and the Working Class in Modern Britain (1991). Tony Mason is the author of numerous works on modern sports including Association Football and English Society (1980) and Passion of the People: football in South America (1995). He also edited Sport in Britain: a social history (1989).Richard Holt and Tony Mason are members of the International Centre for Sports History and Culture, De Montfort University, Leicester.

• Preface. 1. Playing and Watching.2. Reconstruction, 1945-1952.3. Amateurism.4. The Professionals.5. Media and Celebrity.6. Civic and National Identity.7. Governments and Sport.Conclusion.Bibliography.Index.

"Any book by Holt or Mason is recommended reading, but one by Holt and Mason is mandatory as this book has proved ... I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, I learnt much and congratulate Holt and Mason on a fine publication." British Journal of Teaching Physical Education