ABSTRACT

First published in 1986. This book explores developments in the cinema, sport, holidays, gambling, drinking and many more recreational activities, and situates working-class leisure within the determining economic and social context. In particular, the inventiveness of working people ‘at play’ is highlighted.

Drawing on an extensive range of source material, the book has a wide general appeal, and will be useful to those professionally concerned with leisure, as well as teachers and students of social history, and all those interested in the patterns of working-class life in the past.

chapter |8 pages

Introduction

chapter 1|25 pages

The demand for leisure

chapter 3|25 pages

Leisure provision in the voluntary sector

chapter 5|24 pages

Work, leisure and unemployment

chapter 7|31 pages

The politics of leisure

chapter |10 pages

Conclusion