Overview

A rich and entertaining work of history, Olympics in Athens 1896 brings together the following intriguing strands: the rise of amateur athletics in competing countries, each with its own particular stamp; the enormous interest aroused by the excavation of ancient Olympia, the site of the ancient Games; the determination of the eccentric French aristocrat Baron Pierre de Coubertin to embody the amateur athletic ideal in a revival of the Games; and a perception by politicians and the Greek royal family that hosting Coubertin's Games could help to put the young Greek state on the European map.

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9781861977090

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Reviews

'Excellent ... fascinating background reading for anyone planning to watch Athens 2004 ... it is hard to read Llewellyn Smith's amused, affectionate and compassionate book, and not feel regret for what the Olympics have become.'Tom Holland, Sunday Times Clear, scholarly and readable' The Economist 'Beautifully written ... Olympics in Athens 1896 is a terrific read, full of cracking stories, and offering a fascinating glimpse of the academic, political and social world of the time.' Peter Jones, Literary Review

Author Information

Michael Llewellyn Smith has been British Ambassador in Warsaw and in Athens. He writes and lectures on Greek history and culture. His books include The Great Island; A Study of Crete and Ionian Vision: Greece in Asia Minor 1919-22.

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