Aunt Sally in Oxford, Toad in the Hole in Lewes, bagatelle in Chester, quoits in Darlington and bat and trap in Kent - they sound like relics of a bygone age, and yet contrary to popular belief the pub games of Britain live on. Traditional games such as nipsy (the poor man's golf), played by Barnsley miners, may have died out in the 1990s, joining in the history books such former favourites as guile bones, noddy board, slide thrust, fox-mine-host, tick-tack, and the mysterious milking cromock. But new games emerge all the time so that nowadays regulars are just as likely to be entering pub quizzes - the first quiz league was recorded in Bootle in 1959 - or playing pool (which arrived via Australia during the 1960s) or petanque (brought over from France). Fashions may move on but find any decent pub and the chances are that there are games to be played. Arthur Taylor published his first study of British pub games in 1976, updated it in 1992, and now, with Played at the Pub brings us his third and most extensive study so far. This time, to add to his encyclopaedic knowledge and infectious enthusiasm there are copious illustrations, many of them contemporary images taken by English Heritage's own specialist photographers. Played at the Pub is not only beautiful to look at and overflowing with great stories it is also an informative guide. Where can you watch or play skittles? Where are the best pubs to play table football? Why are some of the dartbords in Manchester pubs so different to the ones you see on TV? Where can you legitimately fire a rifle in the snug? And what exactly is dwile flonking? Dipping into Played a the Pub one can almost smell the polished wood, hear the tinkle of glasses and the sound of laughter. Never has cribbage or dominoes appeared so alluring.
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'Three cheers for this invaluable and amusing book then, which tells with formidable scholarship and an aficionado's passion the story of British pub games lost and found ... Anyone hoping to revive or sustain the curious and delightful pub entertainments of these islands...should make a start by having a copy of Played at the Pub' 20090814 This books, which is lavishly illustrated, is clearly a labour of love but it is also the definitive work on British pub games...Buy it! Read it! Enjoy it!' 'My suggestion for a man's Christmas stocking...historically fascinating yet full of contemporary images'
About the Author
Arthur Taylor spent most of his working life as a producer/director at Granada TV, and much of his spare time going to the pub. He won the Budweiser Budvar Travel Bursary in 1998 for his Good Beer Guide to Northern France, and was Glenfiddich Drinks Writer of the Year in 2001 for a portfolio of articles in the CAMRA newspaper, What's Brewing.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By RingoJoe
Format:Paperback
Having read this brilliant book, I cannot believe the amount of research put in by the author, Mr Taylor, and the games that have almost been forgotten, can be rekindled, either in their original form, or a new revised format.
Well done Mr Taylor.
Well done Mr Taylor.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Unlike most pub game books this one concentrates on the present. A history of the games is included but most importantly it tells you where they can be seen and played today. In some cases a last chance to see. I have recently visited one pub in Suffolk mentioned in the book where the quoits court was covered up and caravans were parked on it. The quoits were by the fireplace in the bar but no one could remember them being used. The book is informative, entertaining and well written. Highly recommended.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By M. Mitchell
Format:Paperback
A great book for anyone with an interest in pubs and social history in general. The author clearly knows his pub game onions and there's also some fantastic accompanying photography, both historical and contemporary.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
1.0 out of 5 stars
Did not even receive - how can I review!?
Sadly, on returning from my Christmas break, this item had not arrived. It is an item intended as a christmas gift for someone I will be meeting up with in February. Read more
Published 16 months ago by Alex
5.0 out of 5 stars
Played at the Pub
If you have ever walked into a pub, then this book is for you. A pub is not just somewhere to eat or drink, it is the hub of English-ness. Read more
Published on 28 Oct 2010 by Mr. John Penny
4.0 out of 5 stars
Good Read - Good Present
A friend bought me a copy of Played at the Pub, which turned out to be a really enjoyable read, and also provides me with an ideal solution for Xmas and birthday presents for a few... Read more
Published on 6 Oct 2009 by Ian Jesnick
5.0 out of 5 stars
A lost world
There is a lot of interest here, in the details of games traditionally played in pubs around the country. A good book to pick up and browse a chapter at a time.
Published on 16 Sep 2009 by Mr. Bernard A. Whiten
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