On Thursday (4th September), an updated version of Richard Holt's seminal work, Sport and the British, was released. Originally published in 1989, the text has been described as the "Bible of British sports history". This new edition, however, offers a complete rewrite of the original text, incorporating the most up-to-date research in the field. By using the code AUFLY30, you can purchase the book at a 30% discount from OUP's website: https://global.oup.com/academic/product/sport-and-the-british-9780199557202?q=richard%20holt&lang=en&cc=gb.
A launch event will also take place at the Institute of Historical Research (IHR) in London on 29th September 2025 as a prelude to the 2025/26 Sports and Leisure History Seminar Series. The event will be held in a hybrid format both online and in-person, sees esteemed scholars Professor Tony Collins, Professor Robert Colls, Dr Raf Nicholson and Professor Dilwyn Porter joining Professor Holt to discuss the book and hosting a post-talk Q&A.
BSSH members can join the event either in-person or online on the 29th at the IHR, which will take place between 5.30-7.30pm. Capacity for the in-person event is limited to 40 people and will operate on a first-come, first-served basis. You can register for the event via the following link: https://www.history.ac.uk/news-events/seminars/sport-leisure-history.