Berlin Games: How Hitler Stole the Olympic Dream - Hardcover

Walters, Guy

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0719567831 ISBN 13: 9780719567834

Publisher: John Murray, 2006

Synopsis

The 1936 Olympic Games, held in Berlin, was the most political sporting encounter of the twentieth century. It was famed for its spirit of ferocious competition and the rise of legends such as Jesse Owens. But it also forecast the horrors of World War Two and served as a crucible for these dark forces.

The Berlin Games brought together athletes, politicians, socialites, diplomats, journalists, soldiers and artists from all over the world. It was the last time they would meet in peace. But hostilities bubbled below the surface as Hitler determined the Games would showcase Nazi prowess and athletes became pawns in his political game. From the fascinating set-piece of the Games, Guy Walters stretches story across a broad canvas, placing those crucial weeks in August in the wider context of the 30s.

With Second World War expertise and brilliant narrative flair, Guy Walters brings a wide cast of characters and complex political situation thrillingly alive.

About this title

Review:

Praise for Guy Walter's previous books: (.)

Masterfully crafted and genuinely frightening (Daily Express)

'Gripping' (Daily Telegraph)

'A classic page-turner' (The Times)

'Convincing and intelligent' (Daily Mail)

'Gripping, ingenious ... compelling ... reminiscent of le Carre' (Literary Review)

'Thoroughly readable' (The Spectator)

'Extraordinary' (Sunday Times)

Praise for Berlin Games (.)

A comprehensive account of the events leading up to the games (Observer)

From the Publisher:

"A gripping account of what occurred inside and outside the notorious 1936 Olympic Stadium. Whether writing about the sporting events themselves,the high politics that threatened to envelop them, or the round of not so innocent parties and receptions, Walters brings erudition and wit to bear in a book that is always fascinating. Berlin Games is a major achievement that will appeal to people interested in sport as well as history and politics."
Michael Burleigh, prizewinning author of The Third Reich: A New History

About this edition

• Publisher: John Murray
• Publication date: 2006
• ISBN 10: 0719567831
• ISBN 13: 9780719567834
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 384