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Swifter, Higher, Stronger: A Photographic History of the Summer Olympics

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Thankfully, Sue Macy is one of those authors who loves to recount amazing performances and jumped at the chance when her editor suggested writing a history of the Summer Olympics. Macy says, "Even today, the first strains of the Olympic Fanfare (actually called Bugler's Dream, by Leo Arnaud) send chills up my spine."

Every four years, these superb athletes show their desire and determination as they compete for the honor of their country. Millions watch as they give their all to make history.

Swifter, Higher, Stronger: A Photographic History of the Summer Olympics recounts some of those memorable moments, and controversies, too! And it highlights the athletes who somehow raise the bar.

What I love about this book is learning the story of the Olympics and the Olympic movement. It's interesting to find out how the Olympics have changed over time. You'll find out how Pierre de Coubertin resurrected the ancient Olympics, and how Alice Milliat campaigned for more women's events.

There's a fantastic Olympic snapshots section that summarizes the highlights of the Games. The photographs are amazing and capture the heart and emotion that these athletes pour into the Games.

And for anyone looking for more, the end of the book provides an annotated source list that will satisfy your thirst for more events and statistics.

Macy has a knack for sports history. This is an enjoyable read that shares the emotional and historical aspect from over a century of the Olympic games. After reading this book, when the Summer Olympics roll around again in 2012, perhaps just like Macy, you'll get chills up your spine when the Olympic fanfare trumpets across the stadium.