The history of football is as fascinating and exciting as the game itself. In this Macmillan Reader, Patrick Adams describes football from its humble (and sometimes violent) beginnings in Central and South America, and its emergence on the streets of 19th century England as a recognized game, to the international stadiums, big business and multi-million pound players of today.

The history of football is as fascinating and exciting as the game itself. In this Macmillan Reader, Patrick Adams describes football from its humble (and sometimes violent) beginnings in Central and South America, and its emergence on the streets of 19th century England as a recognized game, to the international stadiums, big business and multi-million pound players of today.