The British Olympics
Provides a distinctive introduction to the British prehistory and history of the 2012 London Olympics - Explores the various interpretations of Olympic in British history - Illustrates the social history of sport through architecture, art, artefacts and archaeologyHistory records that the Olympic Games originated in ancient Greece nearly three thousand years ago, died out around 393 AD, and were triumphantly reborn in 1896, in the Greek capital of Athens. Rather less well known is how, during the intervening centuries, an assortment of British writers, romantics, sportsmen and visionaries helped nurture that revival. Our nation's fascination with all things Olympian has played a pivotal role in shaping the Games as we know them today, resulting in London becoming in 2012 the first city ever to stage a third modern Olympiad. Consider, for example, that the first published use of the word 'Olympian' in the English language dates from around 1590. Its author? William Shakespeare. And that the first games of the post-classical era to adopt the formal title 'Olympick' took place in the Cotswolds village of Chipping Campden in 1612. Thus the 2012 Games represent the culmination of over four hundred years of British enthusiasm and ingenuity; an attachment that has left in its wake a trail of fascinating stories, characters, sites, buildings and artefacts. Leading the reader on a marathon journey, The British Olympics charts them all, making this a vital and entertaining source for anyone with an interest in the Games, in sport, and in the wider narrative of Britains social and cultural heritage.About the Author Martin Polley is Senior Lecturer in Sport History at the University of Southampton.Contents1. Introduction2. Olympia and Britannia3. Cotswold Olimpick Games4. Wenlock Olympian Games5. Liverpool Olympic Festivals6. National Olympian Games7. Morpeth Olympic Games8. Coubertin and the British9. London Olympic Games 190810. London Olympic Games 194811. Stoke Mandeville Games12. British Olympians13. LegacyExtent: 200ppllustrations: 300 colour and b&wPublish Date: September 2011