Good introduction to Olympics in UK. Lots of pictures and stories. ( )

Amusing and evocative descriptions of London's two previous Olympic Games, both from sporting eras where the excellence on display was clad in rather less self-importance than today. Or at least that's the sense left by this account's unearthing of personal recollections, and choice details, with plenty of humorous touches. This short book is delightfully illustrated with photos, cartoons, and mementoes of the Games. Memorable characters and athletes like Zatopek, Blankers-Koen, and the famed, rather comical Dorando Pietri share space with the unsung like the young British long jumper who were her Olympic blazer to her sister's wedding as it was "the smartest thing I owned". Worthy memories too of Horlicks instead of drugs, and of overseas teams bringing their own food supplies to the rationing-era 1948 Games: "Mexico sent liver, kidneys, and tripe; the New Zealand team brought with them condensed milk and mutton dripping". ( )