''A complete sports history from Paleolithic times to the present. . . . Eye opening are the chapters on the Middle Ages. . . . But there's something revealing on almost every page of this fine effort.''--Publisher's Weekly ''Lively narrative. . . . [I]ts virtues are rich detail, extended coverage, and a fluid writing style.''--Historian ''Every . . . sporting even, from amateur Olympics to professional media hypes [is] presented in this thorough, well-composed chronicle.''--Best Sellers ''[This] ambitious book examines the impulses behind the games that man has always played. . . . Entertaining throughout.''--Kliatt ''An elegant book, which examines the rise of competitive sport in Western society from ancient times to the present. . . . The focus is on athletes, sporting patrons, spectators, and opinion makers. . . . Highly recommended.''--Choice
