A Passion for Victory

Gr 5–10—This engaging and informative history delivers a lively overview of the Olympic Games from ancient Greece to Early Modern Times (1948). Drawing on a wealth of resources from Homer to the Huffington Post, Bobrick describes the athletes, traditions, popularity, and ferocity of the ancient Games; the Christian banning of the "pagan" Games in AD 394; the 18th-century rekindling of European interest in ancient Greece; the passionate leadership of French Baron Pierre de Coubertin, who revived the Olympics in 1896; and the potent mingling of Olympics and international conflicts in the 20th century. Fascinating biographical anecdotes are woven into this historical, sociopolitical account. Despite challenges across the centuries from scandals, nationalism, economic hard times, and violence, the Olympic Games have endured as a transcending exhibition of athleticism, inspiration, celebration, and innovation. Although this timely overview stops in 1948, Olympic enthusiasts will enjoy Bobrick's dynamic, readable, contextual account of the origin and evolution of the Games and the Olympic spirit. Black-and-white photographs, a chronology, chapter notes, an index, and an extensive bibliography enhance the usefulness of this title for research. Coverage of more recent Olympic Games and medalists is available in Dave Anderson's Story of the Olympics (Morrow, 1996) and Nick Hunter's Inside the Olympics (Raintree, 2012).—Gerry Larson, formerly at Durham School of the Arts, NC