Raymond Glendenning wasn't just a name on the cover—he was the 'voice' of practically every sporting event in the 1940s, and his reputation as a BBC radio sports commentator lent considerable credibility to the series. His career spanned from the early 1940s through 1963, during which he became particularly known for covering the FA Cup Final every year from 1946 to 1963.
The series' publishing history reflects the dynamic nature of post-war British publishing. Initially published by Sportsguide Publications (1950-1954), it moved through several publishers: Andrew Dakars (1955-1960), Spring Books (1961), and Vernon Holding (1962). This journey, rather than diminishing the series' impact, speaks to its enduring appeal and commercial viability
What made these annuals special was their dual appeal. Each volume offered Comprehensive coverage of various sports, providing young readers with insights into different athletic disciplines together with enhanced by high-quality monochrome photography that captured the essence of athletic achievement.
The inclusion of the Felgate School stories was particularly significant. These tales, while created specifically for the annuals, shared DNA with other popular school stories of the era, appearing in publications like Billy Bunter's Own and Tom Merry's Own.
The series represents a unique convergence of British cultural elements: the golden age of radio sports commentary, the enduring popularity of school stories, and the post-war boom in children's publishing. The series' transformation into the Grandstand Book of Sport after 1962 marked the end of an era, coinciding with Charles Hamilton's death in 1961.
Raymond Glendenning's Book of Sport for Boys wasn't just another sports annual—it was a carefully crafted blend of practical sports knowledge and engaging fiction that helped shape a generation's understanding and appreciation of sports. Its format, combining authoritative sports coverage with entertaining stories, created a template that influenced many subsequent sports publications for young readers.
The series remains a valuable window into a time when sports broadcasting was transitioning from radio to television and when children's literature was helping to forge the next generation of sports enthusiasts. For collectors and historians alike, these annuals offer unique insights into how sports culture was presented to young British readers in the post-war years.
