Olympics

<p><em>The Olympics: A Critical Reader</em> 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:</p><ul> <p> </p> <li>what does studying Olympism entail?</li> <p> </p> <li>how do historical accounts create and challenge Olympic myths?</li> <p> </p> <li>how do different theoretical perspectives inform our understanding of Olympism?</li> <p> </p> <li>which socio-political processes influence personal collective and imagined Olympic identities?</li> <p> </p> <li>how do we experience and make sense of Olympism?</li> <p> </p> <li>who owns Olympism and why does it matter?</li> <p> </p> <li>how do cities compete for and celebrate the Olympics?</li> <p> </p> <li>How are the Olympic values promoted?</li> <p> </p> <li>why is it important to protect the ethical principles and properties of Olympism?</li> <p> </p> <li>what are the grounds for contesting Olympism?</li> <p> </p> <li>how can Olympism be taught?</li> <p> </p> <li>how can the principles and practices of Olympism be sustained in the future?</li> </ul><p>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. <em>The Olympics: A Critical Reader</em> is essential reading for students of the Olympics and Olympism the sociology of sport sport management and cultural studies.</p>