The Atlas of Sports: Who Plays What, Where, and Why

by Alan Tomlinson

This fully illustrated atlas charts and profiles the world’s major competitive sports and the profits that flow from their commercial development. From the U.S.A—baseball, football, basketball, boxing, car racing, and more—to Pelé’s “beautiful game” of international soccer, Alan Tomlinson paints sport’s big picture. He traces its emergence in modern forms, including those events recognized by the International Olympic Committee, and less well-known sports that have their own cultural bases and commercial momentum. In four colorful sections, the book maps major sporting events, follows financial ebbs and flows, notes political uses and abuses, highlights media attention, and provides case studies of global superstars. A handy “A-Z of Sports” maps key indicators and historical influences for each of 30 majors, and includes controversies such as cheating, drug use, and betting scandals. Finally, the atlas captures the full flavor of sport’s contribution to national and international cultures with country profiles noting the main strengths, notable achievements, and key events.

144 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2011

Reviews

[Paul · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think one of the best sports book around. The book does a good job in summarizing the different sports around the world, without getting too bogged down with the details. It covers sports from around the world, and not just one part. Also it goes into the finance, politics and performance enhancing aspect of sport. A really good book in understanding this idea of sport.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Comprehensive.