Creating the Big Game - (Contributions to the Study of Popular Culture) by Wiley L Umphlett (Hardcover)

About the Book

John W. Heisman (1869-1936) was a man of many faces whose public image has suffered from a diffused, enigmatic, and mostly misunderstood private personality. Since his death the popular reception of the memorial trophy named in his honor has also obscured his identity. In singling out his many innovative contributions to the development of intercollegiate football, this book attempts to present a true picture of Heisman as both man and coach.

Because he coached at schools throughout the country during some of the most eventful years in our history, Heisman's life relates to significant political, economic, and social developments that impacted on American society as well as sports. However, this book is much more than the story of John Heisman's 36-year coaching career. It is also the story of how an indigenous American public ritual--the Big Game---came about and how college football evolved into the complex, problematic, and highly structured big business that it is today.

Book Synopsis

John W. Heisman (1869-1936) was a man of many faces whose public image has suffered from a diffused, enigmatic, and mostly misunderstood private personality. Since his death the popular reception of the memorial trophy named in his honor has also obscured his identity. In singling out his many innovative contributions to the development of intercollegiate football, this book attempts to present a true picture of Heisman as both man and coach.

Because he coached at schools throughout the country during some of the most eventful years in our history, Heisman's life relates to significant political, economic, and social developments that impacted on American society as well as sports. However, this book is much more than the story of John Heisman's 36-year coaching career. It is also the story of how an indigenous American public ritual--the Big Game---came about and how college football evolved into the complex, problematic, and highly structured big business that it is today.

Review Quotes

"it gives an excellent feel for the primitive nature of the early game and the resistance to progressive changes] [A valuable addition to any library."-Choice

?it gives an excellent feel for the primitive nature of the early game and the resistance to progressive changes] [A valuable addition to any library.?-Choice

?A definitive book not only about Heisman's life, but it reveals him in relationship to his time. So we get a broad football education as well. Books of this scholarly type are often dry reading, but not this.?-The Sportsbook file

"A definitive book not only about Heisman's life, but it reveals him in relationship to his time. So we get a broad football education as well. Books of this scholarly type are often dry reading, but not this."-The Sportsbook file

About the Author

WILEY LEE UMPHLETT is Associate Professor of Sociology at the University of West Florida. He is the author of numerous publications and books on sports and popular culture.