Designed for Play - (New Historical Perspectives) by Jon Winder (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

An original and accessible history of the modern playground in Britain and beyond. Charting its journey from marginal obscurity to popular ubiquity, this title demonstrates how a diverse set of actors across the philanthropic, voluntary, state and commercial sectors all sought to reimagine and reshape the urban landscape to improve childhood outcomes.

Review Quotes

'Jon Winder's Designed for Play shows us how our playgrounds are the product of the vying interests of educationalists, manufacturers, local governments, philanthropists, even, very occasionally, children. It is a beautifully told and compelling tale that treats the playground as a major element of urban life. This is an important book that deserves a very wide audience.'

- Ben Highmore, Professor of Cultural Studies, University of Sussex, UK

About the Author