The Ancient Olympics
Author(s): Nigel Spivey
The word 'athletics' is derived from the Greek verb 'to struggle/suffer for a prize'. After reading this book, no one will see the Olympics as a graceful display of Greek beauty again, but as war by other means. Nigel Spivey paints a portrait of the Greek Olympics as they really were - fierce contests between bitter rivals, in which victors won kudos and rewards, and losers faced scorn and even assault. Victory was almost worth dying for, and a number of athletes did just that. Many more resorted to cheating and bribery. Contested always bitterly and often bloodily, the ancient Olympics were not an idealistic celebration of unity, but a clash of military powers in an arena not far removed from the battlefield.
Product Information
A scholarly yet accessible text; history and myth intertwining. The Guardian Review Spivey gives a good survey of the Olympics, well informed and concise, but not unopinionated. New York Review of Books Spivey's prose is always full of flavour and The Ancient Olympics must rank as one of the most enjoyable and intelligent books about the ancient Greeks currently on the market. James Davidson, Daily Telegraph excellent...fascinating background reading for anyone planning to watch Athens 2004 Sunday Times
IN
General Fields
- :
- : oup
- : 01 June 2004
- : 196mm X 134mm X 21mm
- : books
Special Fields
- : Nigel Spivey
- : Hardback
- : 296
- : numerous halftones
