The History of American College Football

"Readers should pay particular attention to the subtitle because this book is not a history of college football written from the standpoint of the sport's development, traditions, major programs, and the like. Although some aspects of these topics are interwoven throughout the collection, the ten essays Anderson and Fallucca (both, Univ. of South Carolina) bring together have a different purpose. This volume is part of a broader series on the history of higher education and focuses a critical lens on the impact of football on colleges and universities, specifically in relation to "policy, culture, and reform." Beyond this commonality, the essays offer a truly quirky hodgepodge of football-related subjects. This is not meant as negative criticism. Rather, it is fair to recognize that this relatively short volume covers a lot of ground, including discussions of deaf football players who were students at Gallaudet College at the turn of the 20th century, protests at Cal State campuses in the 1960s, Division III traveling trophies, and Mormon identity as intertwined with BYU football. Every chapter is well written, cites primary sources, and features at least one illustration. Libraries with extensive collections on the history of higher education or college athletics, especially football, should acquire this book." - B. D. Singleton, California State University, CHOICE Recommended