Books: Notable

THE OLYMPIC GAMES: THE FIRST THOUSAND YEARS by M.I. FINLEY and H.W. PLEKET 140 pages. Illustrated. Viking. $14.95.

The modern Olympic Games date from 1896 and were begun to promote sportsmanship and world peace. The original Olympics started in Greece in 776 B.C. and had their roots in the games staged by Achilles outside the walls of Troy to allay his grief at the death of his friend Patroclus. Now, just in time to coincide with the goings on in Montreal, two classicists and sports fans, M.I. Finley of England's Cambridge University and H.W....

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!