From School Library Journal
Grade 9 Up-This superbly researched book, arranged by geographic regions, focuses on the development of sports and games and the effect they had on the lives of people from the first Olympiad to the fall of Rome. Craig defines sports as "rule governed" and with "some degree of organization" and, usually, a "victor or superior performers." Games may use boards or dice while play stresses participation over winning, can happen whenever time allows, and doesn't require an audience. The history of the sports and games of Asia, Europe, North America, Egypt, and the Middle East have been well documented and are covered in depth. Less is known about these activities in Africa, Oceania, and Latin America; however, many are included for those regions as well. Women's roles are discussed when possible, but Craig notes a lack of verifiable information in this area. The author provides descriptions of each sport, explains essential equipment (including how to make it), and the rules of play. He provides enough information so that the activities described can be re-created, but readers will have to rely on text descriptions since there are few diagrams or photographs. Mancala, stick fighting, sumo wrestling (for both men and women), go, the log run, tejo, boomerangs, buzkashi, kabaddi, and Chinese football are among the topics covered. The material provided is not readily available in other single resources. This title will interest researchers and teachers searching for ways of extending their lessons on different cultures. A solid purchase.
Michael McCullough, Byron-Bergen Middle School, Bergen, NYCopyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to the
Hardcover
edition.
From Library Journal
Many of today's sports are linked to those of the distant past. The study of the sports and games of varied cultures is therefore important, as this knowledge offers insights that help us understand our own culture and its heritage. In about 88 entries, this reference work traces the history, development, and rules of play for hundreds of sports and games from around the world. The book is divided into chapters representing seven different geographic regions of the world, although, curiously, it is not divided by continents. Craig (Sports Writing: A Beginner's Guide), a freelance writer and winner of the New Hampshire Sports Writer of the Year award, discovers that sports and games participation among indigenous people found in diverse locations share a number of commonalities. Some sports, such as archery, running, and wrestling, are found in every culture in ancient times and thus seem to be innate forms of activities for all humans. In addition, women were generally treated as second-class citizens in the sports world throughout time and in nearly all societies. This well-written reference is recommended for public and academic libraries. [Titles already available in this series include Sports and Games of Medieval Cultures and Sports and Games of the 18th and 19th Centuries; the next title will be Sports and Games of the Renaissance.-Ed.]-Tim Delaney, Canisius Coll., Buffalo, N.
--Tim Delaney, Canisius Coll., Buffalo, NY Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.
--This text refers to the
Hardcover
edition.
