A remarkable historical sports publication that
remains engaging seven decades after its initial release
In an era before television dominated sports entertainment, Every Boy's Book of Sport served as a vibrant window into the world of athletics for young enthusiasts. This 1952 hardback edition, celebrating its third year of publication, offers a remarkable time capsule of British and international sports during the post-war period. The book's crown jewels are its four coloured plates featuring sporting legends of the time: cricket icon Len Hutton, Emma Barty, Reg Harris, and speedway champion Tommy Price. These illustrations, rare for their time, would have been treasured by young readers in an age when colour sports photography was still a luxury.
What makes this volume particularly special is its encyclopaedic approach to sports education. The content spans multiple disciplines:
◾Football (Soccer): Features an inspiring biographical sketch of Tom Finney's journey from ground-boy to England international, alongside practical guides for both goalkeepers and outfield players.
◾Cricket: Includes detailed analysis of wicket-keeping techniques and a feature on the prestigious M.C.C., complemented by Godfrey Evans's success story with Kent and England.
◾Boxing: profiles legendary fighters like Joe Louis, Tommy Farr, and "Sugar" Ray Robinson.
◾Emerging Sports: Coverage of speedway racing and motor racing, including early coverage of soon-to-be legend Stirling Moss.
The book's approach is notably holistic, combining entertainment with instruction. Technical articles on athletics (particularly jumping) and tactical analyses of various sports demonstrate its commitment to developing young athletes' understanding of their chosen sports. Reading this volume today offers fascinating insights into sports culture of the early 1950s. It captures a moment when British sports were rebuilding after World War II, and new sporting heroes were emerging to inspire the next generation. The inclusion of both traditional sports (cricket, rugby) and modern attractions (speedway, motor racing) reflects a society in transition.
While the technical advice may have aged, the book's core appeal—its celebration of sporting excellence and youth development—remains remarkably current. The stories of athletes rising from humble beginnings to international acclaim still resonate with today's readers. Every Boy's Book of Sport (1952) represents more than just a sports annual; it's a historical document that captures the optimism and sporting spirit of post-war Britain. For collectors, sports historians, and enthusiasts of vintage publications, this volume offers an authentic glimpse into how sports knowledge and culture were shared with young people in the mid-20th century. Its blend of practical instruction, inspiring biographies, and diverse sporting coverage makes it a fascinating artefact that demonstrates how little the fundamental appeal of sports has changed, even as the way we consume sports media has transformed dramatically.
Upon examination, this annual volume presents itself in exemplary condition. The red board covers maintain pristine aesthetics, devoid of any blemishes or deterioration. The binding demonstrates exceptional structural integrity, while each page retains optimal clarity and crispness. The dust jacket exhibits minimal evidence of shelf placement. Prior to preservation, we conducted a comprehensive cleaning and restoration process before implementing our Archival Dust Jacket System. It is noteworthy that the protective covering has maintained its protective function admirably for more than seven decades.
ROYAL MAIL TRACKED 24
