Sport:From the Concise Introductions Series

Historian and academic Mike Cronin presents in "Sport: A Very Short Introduction" (published under the Very Short Introductions Series by the Kalima Translation Project at the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre) a fascinating historical and sociological study probing the most widespread and alluring phenomenon in human culture: "Sport". The book narrates the passionate evolution of competitive games, from ancient religious rituals and folk traditions to the modern sports industry generating billions and capturing millions of hearts. Through a dramatic and accessible style linking folkloric history, moral philosophy, media economics, and broadcast culture, the author illustrates how sport entwines with concepts of identity, amateurism, professionalism, and politics, revealing the bright side of honorable competition alongside the complex dark realities of the modern games industry.

Because it opens doors behind the scenes of pitches and major stadiums, simplifying the historical, financial, and social transformations that turned sports into a unified global language.

For sports and competitive games enthusiasts, history and sociology students, and anyone passionate about understanding the immense cultural and economic power driving stadium gates.