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?
