Bruce Howard

This is a fascinating book about the greatest show on Earth, in another era. In Melbourne, people could queue up on the day of the event and buy tickets to even the most popular events.
The Melbourne games were dubbed the 'Friendly games' - the first post WW2 games where political issues were not to the fore (although there was a very bloody waterpolo match between the USSR and newly-invaded Hungary)

The book focuses on Australian Olympians who are now part of the legendary 'Golden Era' - show more runners like Shirley Strickland, Betty Cuthbert, John Landy, Ron Clarke (who as a 19 year old lit the flame - that story is retold from Clark's perspective, and is enthralling), swimmers Dawn Fraser, Murray Rose and so many more.

Another fascinating story is that of Russian Vladimir Kuts and his great rival Czech Emil Zatopek.

It is generously illustrated with black and white photos. Each chapter is an essay on an aspect of the games and is followed by numerous pages of photos, each of which tells a fascinating story itself.

You don't have to be an Olympics fiend to find interest in this book, but for those who are, it's terrific! show less

Library Catalogued Mixed Books 3