Originally published under title: Would you believe the losers were killed in Mayan football? and other perilous pastimes. London : Oxford University Press, 2007.

Includes dictionary and index p(46-48).

Ancient pastimes -- Roman games -- War games -- Pistols at dawn -- Eastern arts -- Run for it -- On the ball -- Kicking, throwing, rolling -- Faster than a speeding snail -- Beastly pleasures -- A-hunting we will go -- At the circus -- Falling fast -- Water sports -- Taking to air -- Land daredevils -- Nice ice -- Feats of endurance -- Shall we dance? -- Celebrations around the year -- What's so weird about that? -- Find out more.

Describes some of the peculiar sports and recreational activities enjoyed by people throughout history, from the ancient past to the twenty-first century, and explains how the odd games became popular.