A History of Leisure

'A welcome, and much-needed, examination of leisure within its broader economic, social, and cultural context.' - Trevor Griffiths, University of Edinburgh, UK 'Borsay demonstrates that leisure was not an indulgence, but central to past cultural life. Moreover, his work is clearly expressed and understandable. Students of sports history who have not read widely in the history of leisure should ensure they read this important, challenging and provocative book.' - Mike Higgins, St Martins College 'With its clear focus on themes, issues and debates, this will be an invaluable textbook for courses on leisure and popular culture.' - Jeffrey Richards, THES Textbook Guide

Placing leisure in its historical context, Borsay's approach is analytical and critical, with an emphasis on key concepts rather than simple chronology, and on the British Isles as a fluid and dynamic amalgam of local and national cultures and polities.Leisure is a key aspect of modern living. How did our ancestors experience recreation in the past, and how does this relate to the present? To answer these questions, Peter Borsay examines the history of leisure in Britain over the past 500 years, analysing elements of both continuity and change.

A History of Leisure
- explores a range of pastimes, from festive culture and music to tourism and sport
- emphasises a conceptual and critical approach, rather than a simple narrative history
- covers a range of themes including economy, state, class, identities, place, space and time
- treats the constituent parts of the British Isles as a fluid and dynamic amalgam of local and national cultures and polities.

Authoritative and engaging, this text challenges conventional views on the history of leisure and suggests new approaches to the subject. Borsay draws upon the insights provided by a variety of disciplines alongside that of history - anthropology, the arts, geography and sociology - to offer an essential guide to this fascinating area of study.