FOOTBALL: The Ivy League Origins of an American Obsession

Bernstein, a journalist, cartoonist and lawyer who graduated from Princeton, reminds the world that the roots of American football are entrenched on the campus grounds of the Ivy League, even if its brand of football now inspires little interest. He writes that Ivy League schools "invented the All-America team and filled all the early ones, produced the first coaches, arranged the basic rules, conceived many of the strategies, devised much of the equipment, and even named the positions." And much like the schools he covers, Bernstein eschews the thrills of the college football experience in deference to a more scholastic pursuit. Though the book's tone recalls an academic paper, Bernstein does leaven his history with anecdotes bringing the subject to life. After a game-winning kick for Princeton against Yale in 1899, for instance, player Arthur Poe engaged a de facto PR agent to handle his fans. "Mr. Poe directs me to thank you for the lock of hair," a representative response began. "He prizes it highly and regrets that another engagement will prevent his presence at Cadwalader Park, Friday evening." While the book starts out as a history of college football as it related to the Ivy League, it develops into a history of Ivy League football. The latter may be of less interest to the general gridiron buff, but anyone looking here to find a detailed account of the sport's origin will scarcely be disappointed. (Sept.)