The Sporting World of the Modern South

Sport and Society

by Patrick B. Miller (Editor)

Engaging a medley of perspectives and methodologies, these collected essays explore the sport-related symbols and events that have shaped southern regional identities since the Civil War. The authors range from the "backcountry" fighter stereotypes portrayed in modern professional wrestling to the significance of Crimson Tide coaching legend Paul "Bear" Bryant for white Alabamians while other essays tackle gender and race relations in intercollegiate athletics, the roles athletic competitions played in desegregating the South, and NASCAR's popularity in southern states.  Pairing the action and anecdotes of good sportswriting with rock-solid scholarship,  The Sporting World of the Modern South  adds historical and anthropological perspectives to legends and lore from the gridiron to the racetrack.

Genres: History

368 pages, Paperback

First published March 14, 2002