he Big Book of Sports 1956 radiates with the vibrancy and excitement that defined British athletics midway through the 1950s. Hugely in demand among young readers then, this edition marries practical guidance with the thrill of the standout sports events, spanning late 1955 into early 1956.
Inside, you’ll encounter a lively array of visuals—timeless black-and-white images alongside eye-catching colour photographs—saluting the top sports figures of the time. The book is rich with captivating features and stories, each one mirroring the widespread passion for sports that rippled through postwar Britain. For collectors, the 1956 edition stands as a treasured find, preserving the way sports inspired a new generation at the decade’s outset.
LTA Robinson Ltd produced just six annuals in this run, from 1956 through 1960, with each volume reviewing a remarkable spread of 20 major sports. You’ll find a broad assortment of colour and black-and-white photos 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.
The red boards are clean and bright. All the pages inside are crisp and spotless, and the binding is solid. The dust jacket has done its job these last 70 years, showing shelf scuffing and wear, with a 1-inch chip missing on the back—hence the low price
As was custom, the 1956 edition landed in stores near the end of 1955—perfectly timed for Christmas and an excellent gift for the sports devotee. Alongside the main cover, you’ll find a photo of the index, listing every feature and contributor. Interested in finding more gems? Type ‘1956’ into our search box to see more vintage sports annuals from this remarkable era.
