This book covers the Summer Olympic Games from the beginning of the modern era. Frenchman Pierre de Coubertin revived the ancient Olympic Games. The first modern games was held in 1896 in Athens. It is interesting to note in the first Olympics silver medals were awarded for first place and bronze for second. It was not until the games were held in St. Louis in 1904 did the practice of awarding gold, silver, and bronze medals begin. Women competing in the games was not accomplished until 1928 and only on a trial basis. Through the years, much controversy has revolved around the Olympic Games including Jesse Owens competing in Germany in 1936 much to Adolf Hitler's chagrin. Politics played a role again in 1972 when the US basketball team did not show up to pick up a silver medal the team had earned after the judges made a biased decision in favor of the Russians. Also, tragedy hit when 11 members of the Israeli team were killed by Palestinian terrorists. And, who can forget the bomb that went off in 1996 during the games in Atlanta, killing one person. This was an excellent book published by National Geographic with great pictures!
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