Running Through the Ages [Hardcover]

Edward S. Sears (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 2001

Throughout most of human history, running was necessary for survival. In present times, it has become an ever-popular way to promote physical fitness. This work takes a close look at the history of running from the era when running was a survival skill to the contemporary age, when people run for enjoyment. Questions such as why the Greeks considered swiftness of foot the most highly prized quality and why we run counterclockwise around a track are answered in this in-depth history that also includes anecdotes and legends about the history and lore of running. The author pays special attention to great runners, both for their performances and for what contemporary sports writers and fellow athletes thought of them

Editorial Reviews

Review

"a valuable historic contribution." -- Syracuse Post Standard

"compelling...valuable historical and biographical information, revealing illustrations and photographs." -- The Roanoke Times Books

"definitive history...detail[ed]...[an] epic work...[a] fine book." -- Road Race Management

"informative, enjoyable...definitive history...crammed with wonderful short stories...magnificent photographs...thorough...great quotes, fascinating stories, superb illustrations...wonderful." -- Athletics Weekly

"remarkable...a marvelous collection of rare illustrations...an excellent index and bibliography...a book to treasure...fascinating." -- Track Stats

About the Author

A retired aerospace engineer, Edward S. Sears is an avid runner. He lives in Shawsville, Virginia.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 336 pages
• Publisher: McFarland & Company (October 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0786409711
• ISBN-13: 978-0786409716
• Product Dimensions: 10.3 x 7.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,481,573 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Inspiring and Exciting History of Running, December 17, 2001

By 

Peter Lovesey (Chichester, UK) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Running Through the Ages (Hardcover)

Running Through the Ages is the most absorbing historical account of running and runners I have read. Its scope is wider than anything previously attempted, ranging from prehistory to the end of the twentieth century, and taking in professional running for men and women as well as the more familiar amateur era that dominated the last century. It is supported by hundreds of rare illustrations, most of which will be new, even to historians of the sport. There is a six-page bibliography and a comprehensive index. Edward Sears is a runner himself, and he wrotes with insight and enthusiasm as well as the skill of a storyteller. His section on George Seward, "The American Wonder", is a revelation. There are superb assessments of athletes as varied as Deerfoot, Arthur Duffey, Paavo Nurmi, Helen Stephens, Jesse Owens, Wilma Rudolph, Bill Rodgers, Buddy Edelen and Haile Gerbrselassie, for this author has the deep knowledge of the sport to give credit to great and lesser names. All the great races are vividly described and the dramas of the Olympic arena expertly chronicled. This is a fine, inspiring and articulate book. I don't merely recommend it to anyone interested in the sport; I urge you to read it.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Highly Recommend For any Sports Fan!!, August 21, 2002

By 

Clay Parker "Clay Parker" (West Monroe, LA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Running Through the Ages (Hardcover)

Breaks running down into 7 time periods from I. Running by Pre-and Early Humans (5,000,000-200,000 BC) all the way to VII The Modern Superstars (1950-2000). Covers the history of running spicing in some great biographies within the stories. Learn about the famous 20th century stars like Carl Lewis, Emil Zatopek and Haile Gebresilasie as well as obscure 19th century runners like George Seward, Harry Hutchens and Amy Howard.
Details how running began, the ancient Olympics, running naked, improvements in time keeping, all sorts of things that most runners never even think of. Running Through the Ages has great illustrations and excellent writing style. Ed Sears has really done his research. Whether you are a runner or simply a sports fan, I highly recommend this book. Not just track fans but all "serious" sports fans should pick up a copy of this great work!