BALL

"The Ball" is about how the existence of or manufacture of objects people could manipulate with skill and accuracy allowed a huge spectrum of extinct and flourishing sports to exist and influence human history in general. In particular, this book's treatment of lacrosse on pages 141 to 173 triggered my memory of quotes by great scholars and leaders having to do with the seemingly impossible task of ending war. Three examples stand out.Military and Political Leader Dwight D. Eisenhower said "I like to believe that people in the long run are going to do more to promote peace than our governments. Indeed, I think that people want peace so much that one of these days governments had better get out of the way and let them have it." Political Leader Nelson Mandela said "It always seems impossible until it's done." Anthropologist Margaret Mead said "A small group of thoughtful people could change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."If the Native Americans described in "The Ball" could use lacrosse to settle disputes, should modern political leaders consider using the existing vast array of modern sports as tools to push war into a decline supported by the billions of modern humans who share the same dream?

The ball, as a sporting device, is explored along a few select lines. A curious alternate branch of Tennis, modern team sports or pre-Columbian use of rubber are some of the ideas tied together in this fun read. It's engaging, light and historically interesting. There are many highlights including a visit to the factory that produces official NFL footballs; he makes it interesting. The author's obsession is showcased in the longest, & concluding section on the evolution of Basketball. While the narrative focus drifts around historical social pondering and the authors own offspring, with just a few pages more some attention could have been given to short examples of a wider range of historical balls, and more could have been said on why a ball is not something else.

"The Ball" is a great book for any sports fan who is interested in the roots of games. Fox shows us an evolution of some of our most popular sports all around the world. From the imaginative play of children to the elite level of professionals, whether it's the poor streets of the American industrial cities or the palaces of French Kings, he shows us how sports and games have influenced our cultures. This book is written form a fan's perspective and a father's perspective as Fox tries to explain to his son why we play games.I enjoyed his unique archaeological perspective and his attention to historical accuracy. I also enjoyed his inclusion of sources at the end of the book. I did not have to go far to find my summer reading list this year.

First, full disclosure: I am a (non-writing) colleague of John's. While I'm also a lifelong sports fan, this book is a lot more "anthropology made fun" than "what are the roots of our current popular sports". So whether you come at this from "I wonder why I enjoy games played with a ball" or "how can all those people spend so much time on games played with a ball" you will find enjoyment as he weaves together his reading of history, his travels and conversations to demonstrate how deeply the roots of our pastimes run. If I'd only read the chapter about Scotland and "the ba'" I would have considered it a great and enjoyable learning experience. Of course, there is much more and John's style - which I would describe as "elegantly conversational" - really adds to the experience.

I read this book in Hawaii and I'm still thinking about it. Or should I say, I still think about it every time my six-year-old goes right to a ball-based game whenever the opportunity arises. This is a smart, savvy, funny and humbly insightful book that I've given as a gift more than a few times. A fresh idea and a great execution. Not to mention the upcoming movie.

Having played sports around the clock and throughout the year growing up, I thought I knew firsthand why anyone bothered to chase, kick, hit, throw or catch a ball (or object) while risking injury and, maybe worse, humiliation. Now I know better. The Ball by John Fox is insightful, fun, heartwarming and, yes, in an orb all its own.

The entire concept intrigued me, "why do we play ball?" Easy to read and an intriguing look at the communality of playing with a sphere around the globe.

I like this book...definitely well written and well researched. I like the author's depth of thought...it allows the reader to see the world from a different angle.

Even if you care nothing for sport but are interested in anthropology then you should find this book of great interest. Ball play inspires creativity in humans but also in certain animals. Play is a vital activity in the life of sentient beings. A ball helps to initiate play and makes possible forms of play not possible without a ball.This intelligent and investigative work was prompted by the author's young son asking his father why people played ball games. Formulating an answer to this unusual question took the writer on a long quest but he undoubtedly found the answers. Go along for the ride - you might be surprised at what you didn't know.

I enjoy all sports and this book gave me a great insight into the history of different ball games. It eas a good read.