Methodology in Sports History

This book explores innovative methodologies in sports history, examining various sources and approaches. It features detailed studies and expert insights on what sports historians can learn from other disciplines.

Methodology in Sports History explores the intricate process of transforming the past into a structured narrative of history. It emphasizes the importance of engaging with a diverse array of sources, methods, and approaches in the field of sports history. The book argues that sports historians should embrace innovative research techniques, positioning themselves within broader historical debates that encompass various methodologies.

At the core of historical inquiry lies the necessity for empirical evidence. The book highlights that without appropriate sources, the study of sports history cannot thrive. It discusses how the traditional reliance on textual documents has evolved, as historians now incorporate a wider variety of materials, including photographs, films, uniforms, architecture, maps, and other elements of material culture. This expansion of the evidentiary base has opened up new avenues for understanding and interpreting the past.

The structure of the book is divided into two main sections. The first section presents in-depth studies of specific methodologies relevant to sports history, while the second section features concise responses from experts who address the potential lessons sports historians can learn from other disciplines. Through these discussions, Methodology in Sports History encourages a reflective and interdisciplinary approach to research, ultimately enriching the field and enhancing our comprehension of sports in historical contexts.