Leisure and Its Historical Context

Leisure is a key aspect of modern living. How did our ancestors experience recreation in the past, and how does this relate to the present? To answer these questions, Peter Borsay examines the history of leisure in Britain over the past 500 years, analysing elements of both continuity and change.

A History of Leisure

Explores a range of pastimes, from festive culture and music to tourism and sport

Emphasises a conceptual and critical approach, rather than a simple narrative history

Covers a range of themes including economy, state, class, identities, place, space and time

Treats the constituent parts of the British Isles as a fluid and dynamic amalgam of local and national cultures and polities

Authoritative and engaging, this text challenges conventional views on the history of leisure and suggests new approaches to the subject. Borsay draws upon the insights provided by a variety of disciplines alongside that of history - anthropology, the arts, geography and sociology - to offer an essential guide to this fascinating area of study.