Tracing the evolution of polo from its origins in Central Asia to its current manifestation as a professional sport that attracts wealthy sponsors and patrons, this sociological study examines how polo has changed according to the economic and cultural differences of the nations and continents where it is played. One hundred historic and modern photographs are included.
Though polo is commonly associated with Britain and South America, the sport also enjoys a strong following in the United States. This comprehensive history describes the evolution of polo in the U.S., from its beginnings in a New York City riding academy in 1876 to the 2010 Open Championship held in Florida. The principal early players and the first polo clubs are covered, as is American participation in the Olympics, polo at universities and colleges, women's polo, indoor polo, and polo in the military. Additionally, chapters also examine polo in the arts and in literature.
This book, with contributions from many of the world's leading polo journalists, profiles more than 30 of the most influential polo players from history. The players covered were selected for inclusion based on their overall impact on the game rather than their prowess on the field, although many covered are considered all-time greats. Each chapter covers an individual player, including early pioneers, those who played during the "golden era" (the years between World War I and World War II), superstars, game-changers, and great contemporaries. The book includes numerous photographs and a foreword by H.R.H. The Prince of Wales.
Embodying a chic casualness that is uniquely American, the Polo shirt is a cultural symbol, worn by everyone from movie stars and presidents to athletes and artists. The Polo shirt is to Ralph Lauren what Mickey Mouse is to Disney or the Empire State Building is to New York City. Whether worn with the collar popped up, open and untucked, or dressed up under a suit jacket, the Polo embodies the optimism of American style. In Lauren’s words, “It’s honest and from the heart and hopefully that is what touches the diversity of all who wear it. It was never about a shirt, but a way of living. ”Featuring a gallery of stars from the worlds of sports, politics, film, and music—from Leonardo DiCaprio and Spike Lee, to Bill Clinton and Oprah Winfrey, to Pharrell Williams and Venus Williams—as well as everyday people who make the Polo their canvas for self-expression, The Polo Shirt looks at the enduring cool of a wardrobe classic. Included are the full range of colors, styles, and fits the shirt has been produced in during its more than 50 year history. From the classic white to the weathered Polo, from the striped Polo to the US Olympic, US Open, and Wimbledon Championship collaborations, this catalogue celebrates the full spectrum of the Polo, making it a collector’s dream.
Marco Polo and his book may seem to have been well served by scholars, yet the majority have been concerned to write about his travels in Asia, what he did or did not see, and how useful he is as a source on the East. John Critchley’s subject, on the other hand, is the text of Polo’s book itself and the political and ideological context - the crusades, the Mongol missions, the French presence in Italy - in which it was put together by its author(s), and read by its audience. The homogeneity of the ’original’ Franco-Italian text and the accepted relationship between this text and the Latin recensions is tested by computer analysis. An examination of vocabulary and other textual features draws out the different attitudes and contributions of Polo himself and his various editors and translators. Critchley’s book will be of interest not only to those concerned with the history of later medieval Europe but also to specialists in medieval Asia, who will find it useful to know about the background and composition of so famous and frequently cited a work. On pourrait penser que Marco Polo et son livre ont été amplement débattus par les spécialistes en la matière, cependant la majorité a surtout écrit à propos de ses voyages en Asie, ce qu’il avait ou n’avait pas vu et sur son utilité en tant que source de références sur l’Orient. Le sujet traité par John Critchley par contre, est le texte même du livre de Polo, ainsi que le contexte politique et ideologique - les croisades, les missions mongoles, la présence française en Italie - dans lequel il a été composé par son ou ses auteurs et dans lequel ses lecteurs ont pu le lire. L’homogeneïté du texte franco-italien d’origine et le rapport accepté entre celui-ci et les révisions latines ont été analysés par ordinateur. Un examen du vocabulaire et d’autres caractéristiques littéraires fait transparaître les différences d’attitudes et de contributions entre Polo
Ever since British soldiers returning from India in the mid-nineteenth century introduced their homeland to a fast-paced ball game on horseback, polo has remained the quintessential British sport. Although its origins lie in Asia, British pioneers are credited with both modernizing the game and spurring its spread worldwide. This volume chronicles the history of polo in the British Isles from its beginnings in the 1860s through the summer of 2011. It recounts the development of polo clubs, including the rise and fall of once mighty citadels of the game; describes the major competitions and many of the lesser tournaments in England and Ireland; and gives particular attention to international contests. Biographical sketches of top players, from early innovators to current superstars, and reflections on current issues affecting the game, including the rise of commercialism and the decrease of civility and sportsmanship, complete this vivid panorama of British polo.
A version of polo has been recorded as being played as for back as 2500 years and is one of the oldest team sports in the world. The combination of skill with a horse, athleticism, and control that is required to be proficient is rarely found in other sports and it continues to thrive and grow, even in the modern era.But what is the background to this fascinating game, that has been played by Royalty and commoners alike down the centuries and was at one time an official Olympic sport that saw fierce rivalry?This book, Polo: History of the Game, seeks to explain where the sport came from, how it developed and then adapted as time passed, and why it became such a big deal in countries like the USA and Argentina.It looks at some of the legends of the game, the great clubs, rules and momentous moments that came to define a truly unusual sport that is equally at home on a private Estancia in Argentina, a Royal estate in England or any patch of flat ground that is large enough to accommodate 8 horses and riders.
This vintage book contains a complete guide to playing polo, with information on rules, strategy, training ponies, equipment, history, notable clubs, development, and more. This volume is highly recommended for those with an interest in the history of the game, and it is not to be missed by collectors of vintage sporting literature. Contents include: "Ancient Polo", "The Hurlington Club and its Influence on Polo", "The Ranlagh Club and the Expansion of Polo", "The Growth of Polo in London and the Provinces", "Regimental Polo", "The Training of the Pony", "Elementary Polo", "Tournament Polo and Team-Play", "Umpires and Referees", et cetera. Many vintage books such as this are becoming increasingly scarce and expensive. We are republishing this volume now in an affordable, modern edition complete with a specially commissioned new introduction on horses used for sport and utility.
In this engaging and authoritative book, historian John Larner provides a fresh view of the enigmatic Marco Polo, who, despite a deliberate cultivation of impersonality, continues today to engage the attention of readers. 17 illustrations, 12 in color.
