Leisure, Voluntary Action and Social Change in Britain, 1880-1939

[A] broad-ranging book covering sixty busy and important years in modern British history. The clear chapter titles mean that they could very easily be set as enjoyable reading for undergraduate and postgraduate students to good effect, due to its valuable combination of interesting stories and sophisticated conceptualization. * Canadian Journal of History * [The book's] great value lies in stressing the relationship between politics, pleasure, and people ... An effective, stimulating volume that will serve to prompt (it is to be hoped) a reconsideration of leisure and voluntary action as political forums in early twentieth-century Britain. And, indeed, in early twenty-first-century Britain. * Twentieth Century British History * A fascinating account of how a wide range of different groups and individuals saw and promoted leisure as a means of reforming society for better. This is a book full of fascinating details and is based upon a vast array of research. * Martin Johnes, Reader in History, Swansea University, UK * Robert Snape offers a new and compelling perspective on voluntary action and social services by placing associational leisure at the center of its narrative. This analysis of work and youth leisure provide valuable insights into social welfare in 20th century Britain. * Sandra den Otter, Associate Professor of British History, Queen's University, Canada *