ROME 1960 The Olympics That Changed the World

The author hones in on a pivotal time in Olympics history. The 1960 Summer Games were touched by the Civil Rights movement (Rafer Johnson became the first black American to carry the U.S. flag at the games), television rights, performance-enhancing drugs, defection, questions about the athletes' amateur status, and the Cold War. L.J. Ganser's energetic, enthusiastic voice covers all the topics and competitors. He maneuvers through most of the Italian pronunciations pretty well and alters his voice in various ways when quoting athletes and coaches. Some of the names listeners will know (Cassius Clay), and others they may not, but, overall, Ganser makes Maraniss's reporting and anecdotes smooth and enjoyable. M.B. © AudioFile 2009, Portland, Maine [Published: JANUARY 2009]