In the second half of the twentieth century, the Olympics played an important role in the politics of the Cold War and was part of the conflicts between the Cap
This volume explores sporting mega-events, their social, political, and cultural characters, the value systems that they inscribe and draw on, the claims they m
It is the early Cold War. The Soviet Union appears to be in irresistible ascendance and moves to exploit the Olympic Games as a vehicle for promoting internatio
“A people’s history of the Olympics.”—New York Times Book Review A Boston Globe Best Book of the Year A Kirkus Reviews Best Nonfiction Book of the Year
For Olympic athletes, fans and the media alike, the games bring out the best sport has to offer--unity, patriotism, friendly competition and the potential for s