Everything to Play For

A captivating exploration of unexpected sporting facts and stories, Everything to Play For reveals the quirky side of athletic history.

In Everything to Play For, readers are taken on an intriguing journey through the most unlikely and captivating sporting facts and stories, spanning from prehistory to the modern day. The authors, Harkin and Ptaszynski, known for their work on BBC's QI, delve into the curious relationship between humanity and sport. They explore how our relentless pursuit of speed, strength, and skill has shaped our history, revealing some astonishing tales along the way.

This book is a treasure trove of trivia, featuring surprising anecdotes such as Henry VIII's ownership of the first pair of football boots and the unexpected influence of David Attenborough on the color of tennis balls. The narrative weaves together stories of ancient athletes, bizarre competitions, and the sometimes shocking lengths people have gone to in the name of sport. Readers will find themselves both entertained and informed as they uncover the often overlooked aspects of athletic history.

Everything to Play For is not just a collection of facts; it's a reflection on the cultural significance of sports and how they connect us across time and space. With a blend of humor and insight, the authors challenge conventional perceptions of sporting events and highlight the sheer absurdity that can accompany competition. This book is perfect for anyone who enjoys sports, trivia, or simply a good story.