Running through the ages / by Edward S. Sears.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Sears, Edward S. (Edward Seldon), 1943-

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Running--History.

Running.

History.

Physical Description:

vi, 330 pages : illustrations ; 26 cm

Place of Publication:

Jefferson, N.C. : McFarland, [2001]

Summary:

Throughout most of human history, running was necessary for survival. In present times, it has become an ever-popular way to promote physical fitness. This work takes a close look at the history of running from the era when running was a survival skill to the contemporary age, when people run for enjoyment. Questions such as why the Greeks considered swiftness of foot the most highly prized quality and why we run counterclockwise around a track are answered in this in-depth history that also includes anecdotes and legends about the history and lore of running. The author pays special attention to great runners, both for their performances and for what contemporary sports writers and fellow athletes thought of them.

Contents:

I. Running by Pre- and Early Humans (5,000,000-200,000 B.C.) 3

II. Running in the Ancient World (2650 B.C.-A.D. 500) 14

III. From Running Footmen to Pedestrianism (A.D. 500-1800) 40

IV. The Origin of Modern Running (1800-1850) 57

V. The Golden Age of the Pros and the Rise of the Amateurs (1850-1900) 80

VI. Modern Running Goes Worldwide (1900-1950) 163

VII. The Modern Superstars (1950-2000) 232.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages 317-322) and index.

ISBN:

0786409711

OCLC:

46650949