On the Origins of Sports: The Early History and Original Rules of Everybody's Favorite Games

<b>&quot;A book this informative has no right to be this much fun. <i>On the Origins of Sports</i> is a winner.&quot;<br> - Dan Okrent, founder, Rotisserie Baseball</b><br><br><i>On the Origins of Sports</i> is an illustrated book built around the original rules of 21 of the world's most popular sports, from football and soccer to wrestling and mixed martial arts. Never before have the original rules for these sports coexisted in one volume. Brimming with history and miscellany, it is the ultimate sports book for the thinking man.<br><br> Each sport's chapter includes a short history, the sport's original rules, and a deeper look into an element of the sport, such as the evolution of the baseball glove; sports with war roots; a compendium of sports balls; and iconic sports trophies.<br><br> Written by <i>ESPN The Magazine</i>'s former editor in chief, Gary Belsky, and executive editor, Neil Fine, and filled with period-style line drawings in a handsome package, <i>On the Origins of Sports</i> is a book that sports fans and history buffs alike will want to display on their coffee tables, showcase on their bookshelves, and treasure for generations.