Sporting Females is an important piece of historical research and sociological work. Using archival books and artifacts, original records and documents and media material Jennifer Hargreaves makes an outstanding contribution to the feminist study of sport from the nineteenth century to the present day. She examines theoretical ideas, historical material and topical issues and in doing so reveals the complex and paradoxical character of female sport. Attention is given to both gender and class relations, as well as other aspects of life and culture which are intrinsic to the development of female sport. No other book is so comprehensive. Most other histories and sociologies of sport focus on men's sport. This book places women at the centre of the discussion and thus fills an important gap in the market. It views sport as part of a battle for control of the physical body and an important area for feminist intervention.