Research Catalog

Title

The first modern Olympics / by Richard D. Mandell.

Author

Mandell, Richard D.

Publication

Berkeley : University of California Press, ©1976.

Items in the Library & Off-site

Details

Description

xiv, 194 pages, 6 unnumbered leaves of plates : illustrations; 22 cm

Summary

The first modem Olympic Games were held in Athens in April of 1896, and this volume is a description of the sporting and festive events of that occasion, with a large cast of athletes from various countries, including a contingent from Harvard and Princeton who won the hearts of the Athenians as they won most of the first place-medals. But the book is much more than a tale of athletes and organizers. We are given the first real insight into the birth of the modern Olympic movement, and into the personality of a French aristocrat, Baron Pierre de Coubertin, whose vision determined much of the form of international sport today. The author shows that although the modern Olympics have a sentimental bond with the ancient festival, the modern Games are a product of nineteenth century ideals, excesses, and ambitions. Richard Mandell has dispelled some myths, rediscovered forgotten sport heroes, and written a highly readable account of a landmark in modern sport history.

Subject

• Olympic Games 1896 : Athens, Greece)
• Olympic Games
• 76.14 tournaments
• Olympische Spelen

Bibliography (note)

• Includes bibliographical references and index.

Source (note)

• Gift of Program in Hellenic Studies with the support of the Stanley J. Seeger Hellenic Fund.

Contents

1. The Olympic games in antiquity -- 2. Proposals for revival -- 3. Coubertin -- 4. Organization -- 5. Athens gets ready -- 6. The Athens games -- 7. After the games.

ISBN

• 0520029836
• 9780520029835

LCCN

75003773

OCLC

• ocm02160531
• 2160531
• SCSB-1639456

Owning Institutions

Princeton University Library