Cart
Free Shipping in the UK
Proud to be B-Corp

Fox Tossing, Octopus Wrestling and Other Forgotten Sports Edward Brooke-Hitching

Fox Tossing, Octopus Wrestling and Other Forgotten Sports By Edward Brooke-Hitching

Fox Tossing, Octopus Wrestling and Other Forgotten Sports by Edward Brooke-Hitching


£3.50
New RRP £8.99
Condition - Very Good
8 in stock

Summary

Some of the most dangerous and downright bizarre sports in history brought vividly back to life, from Fox Tossing to Ski Ballet

Fox Tossing, Octopus Wrestling and Other Forgotten Sports Summary

Fox Tossing, Octopus Wrestling and Other Forgotten Sports by Edward Brooke-Hitching

For those who enjoyed the quirkiness of Schott's Miscellany, the erudition of The Etymologicon or the extremes of The Dangerous Book for Boys, this is the perfect read.
'Perfect book for the Christmas stockings of adults and curious children' Wall Street Journal
'An entertaining new book... which looks back at the most bizarre sporting activities ever devised by mankind' Daily Mail


From Flagpole Sitting to Hot Cockles, Edward Brooke-Hitching has researched through piles of dusty tomes to bring vividly back to life some of the most curious, dangerous and downright bizarre sports and pastimes that mankind has ever devised, before thinking better of it and erasing it from the memory. After all, who would ever want to bring back Fox Tossing, a popular sport for men and women in 17th-century Germany? As the name suggests, it would involve dozens of couples pairing up and standing 20-25 feet apart in an enclosed field, each holding one end of a net, and then they would pull hard at both ends as the fox ran past, sending it flying high into the air.

There are many other sports revealed within these pages that are unlikely ever to make an appearance on our TV screens, such as Firework Boxing, which is just as dangerous as it sounds. Meanwhile, Ski Ballet may not have been so risky, but Suzy 'Chapstick' Chaffee's signature move - the Suzy Split (a complete forward split while balanced on the tips of her skis) - was probably not one to try at home.

An intriguing, entertaining and occasionally shocking insight into the vivid imaginations of mankind across the years, Fox Tossing, Octopus Wrestling and Other Forgotten Sports is an unforgettable read.

Fox Tossing, Octopus Wrestling and Other Forgotten Sports Reviews

'An entertaining new book... which looks back at the most bizarre sporting activities ever devised by mankind.' * Daily Mail *
'A lively trawl through long-forgotten sports and games from around the globe.' * The Economist *
'Perfect book for the Christmas stockings of adults and curious children.' * Wall Street Journal *
'An engaging book on sports that have fallen out of favour' * Tatler *
'A strange and strangely enjoyable new book. . . This inventory of failed sports is both compelling and affectionate, fitting for a book in which "eccentricity" is not just included but celebrated.' * The Boston Globe *
'[A] droll romp through the history of bizarre games and other pastimes.' * Library Journal *
'An entertaining look at the way things were.' * Washington Post *
'[An] intriguing, go-to guide on the weird and wonderful activities of years gone by' * Irish Examiner *

About Edward Brooke-Hitching

The son of an antiquarian book dealer, Edward Brooke-Hitching became an award-winning documentary director making films that examine the eccentric side of British life. He lives in London.

Additional information

GOR007499210
9781471148996
1471148998
Fox Tossing, Octopus Wrestling and Other Forgotten Sports by Edward Brooke-Hitching
Used - Very Good
Paperback
Simon & Schuster Ltd
2016-06-01
272
N/A
Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary.
This is a used book - there is no escaping the fact it has been read by someone else and it will show signs of wear and previous use. Overall we expect it to be in very good condition, but if you are not entirely satisfied please get in touch with us

Customer Reviews - Fox Tossing, Octopus Wrestling and Other Forgotten Sports