On the Origins of Sports

The New York Times bestseller: "The perfect book for game-players and trivia fans . . . On the Origins of Sports knocks it outta the park. Don't miss it" (Houston Style Magazine).
On the Origins of Sports is an illustrated book built around the original rules of twenty-one 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 fan.
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.
Written by ESPN The Magazine's former editor-in-chief, Gary Belsky, and executive editor, Neil Fine, and filled with period-style line drawings, On the Origins of Sports is a book that sports fans and history buffs alike will treasure for generations.
"I found this book to be massively fun, educational, and inspiring—and I don't even like sports." —A. J. Jacobs, New York Times–bestselling author of The Year of Living Biblically
"Fascinating." —Men's Health, "Best Beach Reads for Sports Fans"
"Sports buffs will prize this in-depth look at competitive games, including the history of the baseball glove and iconic trophies." —Real Simple, "Gifts for Dads"
"A book this informative has no right to be this much fun. On the Origins of Sports is a winner." —Dan Okrent, founder, Rotisserie Baseball