THE GAMES: A GLOBAL HISTORY OF THE OLYMPICS

Compared with some of the other books on this list, The Games is not the easiest read — it’s a long book, with more than 400 pages, plus footnotes. But it should be an enjoyable read for Olympic fans, particularly those whose interest goes beyond the sporting events themselves. Written chronologically, this book acknowledges the Olympics as a sports competition, touching on the Games’ greatest athletes from Jesse Owens to Usain Bolt, while also examining its social and historical significance. From race relations and gender politics, to doping and soaring costs, Goldblatt pulls no punches.