Includes Volumes 1, 2, 3 & 4 - Full Set
Edited by The Earl of Suffolk And Berkshire
Published by William Heinemann: London 1911 2nd Edition
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Published in London by William Heinemann in 1911, the second edition of The Encyclopaedia of Sport & Games, edited by the Earl of Suffolk and Berkshire, is an expansive and authoritative reference work capturing the Edwardian world's passion for recreation, competition, and outdoor pursuits. Issued in four substantial volumes, this monumental set offers comprehensive coverage of virtually every major sport and pastime of the period—from horse racing, cricket, and golf to angling, fencing, and cycling—alongside many now-forgotten activities that reflect the era's social customs and leisure ideals. The work is richly illustrated with hundreds of photographic plates, engravings, and diagrams that vividly document techniques, equipment, and the sporting fashions of the early twentieth century.
Each entry was written by leading authorities, sportsmen, and professionals, ensuring both scholarly accuracy and practical insight. The encyclopaedia not only defines the rules and methods of play but also traces the historical origins and evolution of each game, often with an emphasis on British influence and imperial reach. The editorial tone embodies the Edwardian ethos of discipline, sportsmanship, and gentlemanly conduct, positioning sport as both moral training and social unifier in an age of growing international competition and organized clubs.
This complete four-volume second edition remains one of the finest compendiums of pre-war sporting knowledge, prized for its detail, craftsmanship, and historical perspective. It offers a window into how leisure, class, and national identity intertwined during the height of the British Empire. The set will appeal to collectors of sporting literature, historians of Edwardian culture, and enthusiasts of traditional field and athletic pursuits."
General wear and fading to covers and spines as shown. Pages typically clean and bright with only light foxing to a few prelim pages. All 4 volumes in good condition overall. Please study photos to understand condition. Happy to provide more photos on request.
