For me, the Summer Olympics have something magical about them. Probably because, at the impressionable age of 11ish, I stumbled upon 16 Days of Glory, a documentary about the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.  It follows various Olympic hopefuls during their competitions, who and what inspired them to become athletes, and shows if they won a medal, competed to the best of their ability, or ended the day in heartbreak.  I was mesmerized – I must have watched the whole documentary 10 times – and the Olympics have remained special to me ever since.

You can possibly imagine the excitement building in my house with the 2012 London Olympics mere weeks away.  Granted, it hasn’t reached BBC levels, but, unfortunately for my family, I’m getting there..  My colleagues have come up with some great Olympian tips for you to read, and I hope they will entice you to watch the incredible sporting feats on offer a month away. Swifter, higher, stronger!

- Sophie

History, Facts & Lists

• The Victor’s Crown: Greek and Roman Sport from Homer to Byzantium – D. S. Potter
• How to Watch the Olympics: The Essential Guide to the Rules, Statistics, Heroes, and Zeroes of Every Sport – David Goldblatt and Johnny Acton
• Amazing & Extraordinary Facts – The Olympics – Stephen Halliday
• The Book of Olympic Lists – David Wallechinsky and David Loucky
• The Complete Book of the Olympics: 2012 Edition – David Wallechinsky and David Loucky
• There will also be a number of special Olympics editions of magazines coming out in the next month.  Keep a watch on our magazines page for these, or else call the one of the stores near the time of the Opening Ceremony (July 27th) to find out what has come in.

Travel Guides

• Timeout Official Guide to London 2012
• Wallpaper* City Guide London 2012

Children’s Books

• Flaming Olympics – Michael Coleman
• Geronimo Stilton Saves the Olympics – Geronimo Stilton
• Asterix at the Olympic Games – René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo
• Olympics (Through Time) – Richard Platt