sports and state

The author, a New York Times reporter, argues that we can learn a lot about the men who have occupied the Oval Office by observing the way they play golf. He presents research on the games (and presidencies) of the 14 of the last 17 presidents who have been golfers, describing their games and recounting the repartee between the presidents, their fellow golfers, and the author, who personally played rounds with several recent presidents. B&w photographs with humorous commentary. Annotation (c)2003 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com).

A history of the modern Olympic Games since 1896, tracing the development of the Games significance in world politics, culture, and economic life.

Discusses the political climate during the Soviet Union's invasion of Afghanistan, when President Carter boycotted the 1980 Olympics in Moscow, and the effect it had on athletes who had trained to compete in the event and, despite being disappointed, went on to achieve success in sports.

Explores the relationship between sports and politics.

An account of East Germany's sports system and how it produces so many champions, with profiles of Olympic winners and comparisons of the Eastern and Western philosophies of sport.

Sportswriter Dave Zirin examines how the business side of professional sports hurts the games and discusses immoral practices by team owners.