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CHOICE Review

Segrave and Chu, editors of several sport anthologies, have organized 26 papers on the Olympic Games, with works by notables such as Pindar, Pierre de Coubertin, John J. McAloon, David C. Young, and Allen Guttmann. Although covering many of the same topics as John M. Hoberman's Olympic Crisis (CH, May '87), it is totally different in approach, format, and philosophy, most nearly resembling the editors' 1981 anthology, Olympism (CH, Oct '81). Both include sections on the genesis of the modern games, issues and problems, and reform, with insightful introductions to each section. Appendixes to Chapter 8 include materials rarely found in print, such as lists of International Olympic Committee member nations and International and American Olympic Federations. Both the section on the ancient games and Guttmann's conclusion are excellent. The book would be improved by eliminating the excessive duplication on topics (such as Coubertin and amateurism, and increasing coverage of major issues such as women and drugs, which are accorded only single chapters). Also helpful would be an index, comprehensive bibliography, and background on the authors. Nonetheless, this is a good book and a valuable addition to academic libraries serving students at and beyond upper-division undergraduate level.-M.L. LeCompte, University of Texas at Austin