Davies (history, U of Nevada, Reno) traces the evolution of American sports, from disorganized and quaint origins to the present time when sports have become fully integrated into the political, social, cultural, and economic fabric of the country. The narrative is organized around the argument that sports, for good or bad, have been a significant social force throughout much of the history of the U.S. and a reflection of the underlying values and tensions of American society, including inspiring examples of courage, grace, drama, accomplishment, and depressing examples of brutality, racism, sexism, intolerance, homophobia, xenophobia, nationalism, greed, and hypocrisy. While accessible to the general reader, this academic text is intended for the serious student interested in examining the American past from the perspective of sports. Illustrated with b&w photographs. Annotation ©2007 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)