When the game began

[King On The Rye]

I'm looking for books about the early years of both football and rugby (union or league); the games' roots, how they were codifed, what sort of culture(s) moulded them. Any recommendations?

[ursus arctos]

When the game began

From the football angle, I'd start with the first 200 pages or so of David Goldblatt's The Ball is Round (though you may well not be able to stop once you've started it), and also suggest that you look at James Walvin's older and more academic history.

Both discuss the interplay with rugby at some length.

[Tony C]

When the game began

For Rugby League I'd definitely recommend 'A People's Game' and 'At The George' both written by Geoffrey Moorhouse.

[Me Old Flower]

When the game began

I agree with Tony C re: Moorhouse's work, plus I'd also recommend "Rugby's Great Split" by Tony Collins.