The Olympics

A Critical Reader

Vassil Girginov editor

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Taylor & Francis Ltd

Published:25th Mar '10

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

This hardback is available in another edition too:

The Olympics cover

The Olympics: A Critical Reader represents a unique, critical guide to the definitive sporting mega-event and the wider phenomenon it represents – Olympism. Combining classic texts and thoughtful editorial discussion with challenging new pieces, including previously unseen material, the book systematically addresses the key questions in modern Olympism, including:

  • what does studying Olympism entail?
  • how do historical accounts create and challenge Olympic myths?
  • how do different theoretical perspectives inform our understanding of Olympism?
  • which socio-political processes influence personal, collective and imagined Olympic identities?
  • how do we experience and make sense of Olympism?
  • who owns Olympism and why does it matter?
  • how do cities compete for and celebrate the Olympics?
  • How are the Olympic values promoted?
  • why is it important to protect the ethical principles and properties of Olympism?
  • what are the grounds for contesting Olympism?
  • how can Olympism be taught?
  • how can the principles and practices of Olympism be sustained in the future?

Each thematic part has been designed to include a range of views, including background treatment of an issue as well as critical scholarship, to ensure that students develop a well-rounded understanding of the Olympic phenomenon. The Olympics: A Critical Reader is essential reading for students of the Olympics and Olympism, the sociology of sport, sport management and cultural studies.

ISBN: 9780415445351

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: 1020g

464 pages