A People’s History of Tennis

***Financial Times, Best Sports Books of 2020***

Pristine lawns, tennis whites, strawberries and cream, tennis is synonymous with the upper echelons of society, but scratch beneath the surface and you'll quickly discover a different history, one of untold struggles on and off the courts.

From the birth of modern tennis in Victorian Britain to the present day, we bear witness to struggles around sexuality, gender, race and class that have transformed the nature of tennis and sport itself. A People's History of Tennis is populated by diverse voices, recounting the sport's gay origins, 'Workers' Wimbledon', battles for gender equality and more.

Going beyond centre court, this book reveals the hidden history of the game, providing a rich account of the challenges faced and victories won.

About the Author

David Berry is a writer, journalist and filmmaker. He has written about health and leisure for a variety of publications, and for twenty-five years he was a documentary director for the BBC. He has been playing tennis since he was eleven years old.

What People Are Saying

"Berry's potted history makes for a lively, informative read ... and, above all, makes you want to pick up a racquet." Emily Bootle, New Statesman

"Engaging and thoughtful." William Skidelsky, Guardian

 "A persuasive case for tennis as a great democratic game." Tim Adams, Observer

"A fluent and enjoyable history of tennis." Norma Clarke, Literary Review

“The central thesis of David Berry’s excellent A People’s History of Tennis is that despite establishment credentials, tennis is surprisingly radical.." Robert Domenghetti, Times Literary Supplement

“Great news – playing tennis is not inconsistent with radical politics. This is just one of the fascinating facts in this amazing history of our sport." Lord Richard Layard, Emeritus Professor of Economics at the LSE co-author of the Thrive: The Power of Psychological Therapy

‘We might think of lawn tennis as a sport of the privileged, but this fascinating, beautifully written book reveals that in its 150-year history it has been played with passion by women, lesbians and gays, ethnic minorities and socialists alike." Lucy Bland, Professor of Social and Cultural History, Anglia Ruskin University and author of Britain's 'Brown Babies'

"David Berry's delightfully gossipy book delves into the personal histories of tennis players famous and unknown. He lovingly charts the progress of the game since its beginnings in the Victorian period and explains why so many people, players and spectators, love it." Elizabeth Wilson author of Love Game: A History of Tennis, from Victorian Pastime to Global Phenomenon

"A suffragette plot to burn down Wimbledon, Jewish quotas at your local tennis club, All England Married Couples Championships - you think you know tennis and then along comes this compelling little gem by David Berry, positing a progressive social history of the sport that surprises and delights. Hugely enjoyable and highly informative." David Cohen, Investigations Editor at the London Evening Standard

"Fascinating." Simon Kuper, Financial Times

 Table of Contents

Introduction
1. Mavericks
2. Feminists
3. Members
4. Stars
5. Players
6. Socialists
7. Entrepreneurs
8. Performers
9. Enthusiasts
10. Immigrants
11. Outsiders
12. Trailblazers
13. Professionals
14. Amateurs
Conclusion
Timeline of (Lawn) Tennis
Notes
Bibliography
Acknowledgements
Index