Originally published in 1957,the first part of this volume examines physical education in classical Greece and Imperial Rome during the first and second centuries A.D. and in Italy and England during the Renaissance. Each of these periods witnessed remarkable developments in the practice and theory of physical education: developments which still have present-day significance. The second part of the book traces the simultaneous development of physical education in different parts of the USA and Europe from the end of the eighteenth century onwards.

Originally published in 1957, the first part of this volume examines physical education in classical Greece and Imperial Rome during the first and second centuries A.D. and in Italy and England during the Renaissance. The second part of the book traces the simultaneous development of physical education in different parts of the USA and Europe from the end of the eighteenth century onwards.

This study departs from the standard picture of English sporting activities as one of Renaissance Glory and exuberance being snuffed out by Puritan strictures, and then reviving lustily with the Restoration.