Hitler's Games: The 1936 Olympics - Hardcover

Hart-Davis, Duff

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 006015554X ISBN 13: 9780060155544

Publisher: Olympic Marketing Corp, 1986

Synopsis

A detailed, illustrated account of the 1936 Berlin Olympic Games ranges from the early planning from 1933 on to all key events of the games themselves, and covers the political and ideological factors involved

About this title

From Publishers Weekly:

British journalist Hart-Davis here examines the political and social circumstances leading to the spectacular 1936 Berlin Olympics, and provides a well-orchestrated account of the games themselves. The book does not fall into the category of sports history, however: the author is mainly interested in showing how the Olympics were for the first time deliberately exploited for political ends. Hitler pulled off a triumph of bluff and propaganda that summer. Despite Nazi persecution of Jews, Catholics and political dissidents (and a concentration camp near the Olympic stadium), most foreign visitors, according to the author, went home impressed with Germany as an orderly, modern and above all civilized society. There is fresh material here on Hitler's attempts to win new friendships with the British through a series of dazzling soirees. The vivid descriptions of these highly formal affairs include interesting glimpses of Goring, Goebbels, Himmler and the Fuhrer himself. Although Hart-Davis fails to explain in detail how the monumental deception of Olympics propaganda was carried out, his depiction of the payoff is well done. Illustrations.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal:

This work examines the circum stances leading up to the 1936 Berlin Olympics and Hitler's efforts to turn the event into a Nazi showcase. Behind a blitzkrieg of propaganda and various social and political manipulations, Hitler sought to sway the world into believing the official government line. Surprisingly, he succeeded in duping a large portion of the international community despite attempts by some groups to organize a boycott. The Games, however, may best be remembered for the brilliant onfield performances of a black American (Jesse Owens) that served to shatter the myth of Aryan superiority. For popular sports and history collections. See above for a review of William J. Baker's biography of Owens. William H. Hoffman, Ft. Myers-Lee Cty. P.L., Fla.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Olympic Marketing Corp
• Publication date: 1986
• ISBN 10: 006015554X
• ISBN 13: 9780060155544
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 256