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Running Through the Ages
Beginning with prehumans running down prey, this book describes how ancient, medieval and modern runners have come to run ever faster. Writers of antiquity left few detailed accounts of running but in the early 1800s detailed accounts of running feats and matches appeared in newspapers, journals and books. Nineteenth century pioneers like George Seward, Harry Hutchens, Walter George and Bernie Wefers are here given long-deserved recognition. The six-day Go-as-You-Please races of the 1870s and 1880s--featuring running's first great female performer, Amy Howard--are discussed.
Twentieth century luminaries Helen Stephens, Jesse Owens, Paavo Nurmi, Emil Zatopek, Bob Hayes, Abebe Bikila and Joan Benoit-Samuelson are included, along with the Bunion Derby races of 1928-1929. New material for this revised and expanded second edition includes coverage of the 1970s running boom, women marathon pioneers, the impact of drugs on running, and the feats of 21st century runners such as Usain Bolt, Paula Radcliffe and Haile Gebrselassie.
Twentieth century luminaries Helen Stephens, Jesse Owens, Paavo Nurmi, Emil Zatopek, Bob Hayes, Abebe Bikila and Joan Benoit-Samuelson are included, along with the Bunion Derby races of 1928-1929. New material for this revised and expanded second edition includes coverage of the 1970s running boom, women marathon pioneers, the impact of drugs on running, and the feats of 21st century runners such as Usain Bolt, Paula Radcliffe and Haile Gebrselassie.
- GenresHistory
341 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2001
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
November 14, 2015
I actually read the second edition of this book, but I assume my comments will hold for the first edition as well.
Not previously a runner myself, I found this book at my local library and checked it out on the recommendation of the librarians.
From the first chapter, on early physical adaptations that make humans uniquely suited for long-distance running, to the last chapter, on modern running achievements, this book is well-researched, well-written, and sprinkled liberally with practical, charming illustrations. Sears examines Greek literature and early 20th century newspapers for exceptional running times and significant anecdotes, and later includes interviews with the foremost runners of the last 50 years or so.
What is most impressive about the book is its ability to convey the author’s love of the sport. Sears writes of running with an eloquence and respect that reminds me of Sagan’s tone when he wrote about science, and I feel convinced of running’s place in humanity, just as Sagan convinced me of the role of science. The last chapter includes a section “Running Is for Everyone” and a quote from Sagan himself, “The open road still softly calls. . .”. I’d be surprised if anyone can read this book and not feel that call.
This is one of those rare non-fiction books I’ll reread every couple of years because, like the open road, it gives me a sense of freedom and joy.
Not previously a runner myself, I found this book at my local library and checked it out on the recommendation of the librarians.
From the first chapter, on early physical adaptations that make humans uniquely suited for long-distance running, to the last chapter, on modern running achievements, this book is well-researched, well-written, and sprinkled liberally with practical, charming illustrations. Sears examines Greek literature and early 20th century newspapers for exceptional running times and significant anecdotes, and later includes interviews with the foremost runners of the last 50 years or so.
What is most impressive about the book is its ability to convey the author’s love of the sport. Sears writes of running with an eloquence and respect that reminds me of Sagan’s tone when he wrote about science, and I feel convinced of running’s place in humanity, just as Sagan convinced me of the role of science. The last chapter includes a section “Running Is for Everyone” and a quote from Sagan himself, “The open road still softly calls. . .”. I’d be surprised if anyone can read this book and not feel that call.
This is one of those rare non-fiction books I’ll reread every couple of years because, like the open road, it gives me a sense of freedom and joy.
August 28, 2012
Chronicling the art of running throughout the ages, this volume investigates its beginnings first for survival, then as a display of physical strength, capabilities and endurance and for kings and leaders as a proof of their ability to rule. It follows the art throughout the years to the olympics with the likes of running greats such as Spyridon Louis who won the first Olympic Marathon in 1896 and finally gives an overview of running as a sport today...
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews