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The Olympics: A History of the Modern Games (Illinois History of Sports)

The Olympics: A History of the Modern Games (Illinois History of Sports)

by Allen Guttmann (Author)

  • Used

    Illustrated 2002

    $4.04
Synopsis

Politics has always been an integral part of the Olympics - not an occasional intruder in the form of a boycott, protest, or act of terrorism. In this probing social history, distinguished by a lively mix of journalism and scholarship, Allen Guttmann discusses the intended and actual meaning of the modern Olympic Games, from 1896 to 2000. Recounting the memorable and significant athletic events of the Olympics in terms of their social and political impact, Guttmann demonstrates that the modern games were revived to propagate a political message and continue to serve political purposes. This second edition of Guttmann's critically acclaimed history includes coverage of the controversial tenure of Juan Antonio Samaranch as president of the International Olympic Committee, a period tainted by rising drug use among athletes and scandals accompanying the awarding of sites and marked by the debut of openly professional athletes and the significantly increased role of female athletes.

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More Information

Format: Illustrated
 Pages: 248
 Edition: Second
 Publisher: University of Illinois Press
Published: 09 Jan 2002
ISBN 10: 0252070461
ISBN 13: 9780252070464
Book Overview: Discusses the intended and actual meaning of the modern Olympic Games

Media Reviews
Guttmann is an excellent scholar, and his bibliographical essay remains an excellent source material for research. -- Choice In a thoroughly revised and updated study, [Guttmann] traces the history of the modern Olympics from 1896 to 2000, contrasting the ideal of the game with the often politicized reality. -- Books and More for Growing Minds REVIEWS from the 1st edition: Here is a book that is as readable as it is profound, casting a majestic sweep over the Games from 1896. -- G. E. Murray, Sporting Traditions A wonderfully insightful, judicious, and interpretative essay. -- Steve Gietschier, Sporting News Guttmann, one of the finest historians of sport in the United States and Europe, and a recognized authority on the Olympics, has produced a sound, readable narrative that will appeal to scholars as well as to general readers. -- Randy Roberts, co-author of Winning Is the Only Thing: Sports in America since 1945
Author Bio
Allen Guttmann, a professor of English at Amherst College, is the author of Women's Sports, Games and Empires, From Ritual to Record: The Nature of Modern Sports, and other books. He received the first President's Award for Sports Studies from the International Olympic Committee.