The Big Book of Sports 1955 bursts with the excitement and spirit that defined British athletics in the mid-1950s. Hugely sought after by young readers of its day, this annual combines hands-on tips with the drama of the year’s standout sporting highlights, spanning the close of 1954 and the dawn of 1955. Inside, you’re treated to a lively fusion of visuals—timeless black-and-white scenes alongside vivid colour photographs—that pay tribute to the sporting icons of the age. Its pages are filled with compelling stories and features, each one capturing the deep enthusiasm for sports that swept through Britain as it emerged from postwar austerity. Today, the 1955 edition ranks as a cherished collector’s item and offers a window into how sports fired the imagination at the start of a fresh decade. LTA Robinson Ltd issued only six of these annuals, covering 1955 through 1960, with each volume reflecting on an impressive tally of 20 sports from the year. Every edition presents a rich mix of colour and monochrome photographs and illustrations, spanning Athletics, Boxing, Cricket, Cycling, Golf, Ice Hockey, motorcycling, Motor Racing, Horse Racing, Rowing, Rugby League, Rugby Union, Show Jumping, Soccer, Speedway, special features, Swimming, Table Tennis, Tennis, and more. All the interior pages are crisp and unmarked, and the binding is strong. There is a problem with the red boards and dust jacket—hence the knockdown price for this very first edition of the series. As was customary, the 1955 issue hit the shops at the tail end of 1954—timed perfectly for Christmas, making it a dream gift for any sports lover. Alongside the main cover, you’ll find a photo of the contents page, listing every contributor and article. Want to find more gems like this? Just type ‘1955’ into our search bar and browse a trove of vintage sports annuals from this golden era.
