Vain Games of No Value?

The book delves into the intricate social history of association football in Britain from the late nineteenth century to the 1970s, highlighting its significance in shaping societal dynamics. Despite the sport's prominence, a comprehensive academic analysis was lacking until historians began to explore its multifaceted evolution. Previous studies often concentrated on individual clubs or specific regions, leaving a gap in understanding the broader narrative. This work aims to fill that void by providing a complete examination of football's development over a century.