Homo ludens : a study of the play element in culture / Johan Huizinga ; [introduction by George Steiner].

Homo ludens. 1944?

London : Paladin, [1970], ©1970.

251 pages ; 20 cm

Translated from the 1944 German edition published in Switzerland, and "also from the author's own English translation of the text, which he made shortly before his death"--P. [6]

"First published in Great Britain by Routledge & Kegan Paul Ltd 1949"

Partial contents: Nature and significance of play as a cultural phenomenon -- The play-concept as expressed in language -- Play and contest as civilizing functions -- Play and law -- Play and war -- Playing and knowing -- Play and poetry -- The elements of mythopoiesis -- Play-forms in philosophy -- Play-forms in art -- Western civilization Sub Specie Ludi -- The play-element in contemporary civilization.

Includes bibliographical references and index