Originally published in 1996, "Pastimes" introduced an exciting new text that explored leisure and recreation philosophy and science, the various subfields, and the leisure services industry. The purpose of this fifth edition of Pastimes is to extend the discussion about leisure in society to new concepts supported by new research findings and commentary. Throughout, the author has pursued the most interesting, relevant, exciting, and contemporary information possible. First, as an introduction to the phenomenon of leisure, the book must be current. Momentous changes, actual and alleged, have always been the root of leisure expressions and experiences. To match, Pastimes again reflects a wide range of material from the disciplines of leisure studies, sociology, psychology, economics, political science, anthropology, geography, the humanities, and media and cultural studies. Second, as a learning tool, this fifth edition teaches more. It contains new illustrations of concepts through field-based cases, biographical features, exploratory activities, and research studies.

While the basic organisation remains similar, in addition to new material, some former concepts have been relocated. For example, the topic of history and its meanings for leisure is now combined into one chapter. Also, the discussion of work is now combined with that about economics in the same chapter. Also, theories explaining leisure behaviour are now organised according to their home discipline. A chapter on well-being and leisure is a new feature, and because of the amazing speed of change, the chapter on leisure and technology has been completely rewritten. The chapter on time has also been expanded. Finally, the last chapter on leisure systems has a new section on professional preparation. But, more than a textbook, Pastimes is very much a point of view.

Leisure is presented as a human phenomenon that is individual and collective, vital and frivolous, historical and contemporary, factual and subjective, good and bad.