Olympische Reiterkämpfe London 1948
Düsseldorf: Sankt Georg Kunstverlag, 1948. First edition. Softcover. Octavo. 65, [3]pp. Original decorative dust-jacket over stiff wrappers. Remarkable work on the equestrian events at the XIV Olympiad which were held in London. After a 12-year hiatus because of World War II, these were the first Summer Olympics since the 1936 Games in Berlin. The 1940 Games had been scheduled for Tokyo, and then for Helsinki; the 1944 Games had been provisionally planned for London. This was the second occasion that London had hosted the Olympic Games, having previously been the venue in 1908. The event came to be known as the Austerity Games because of the economic climate and post-war rationing. No new venues were built for the games, and athletes were housed in existing accommodation instead of an Olympic Village. A record 59 nations were represented by 4,104 athletes, 3,714 men and 390 women, in 19 sport disciplines. Because of their roles as aggressors in World War II, Germany and Japan were not invited to participate; the USSR were invited but chose not to send any athletes. The United States team won the most total medals, 84, and the most gold medals, 38. The host nation won 23 medals, three of them gold. This monograph is profusely illustrated throughout with numerous charts, plans, and b/w photographic reproductions. Minor and sporadic chipping at upper edges of dust-jacket. Previous owner's name on upper title page. Pages age-toned throughout. Text in German. DJ and wrappers in overall good, interior in fair to good condition. g. Item #34706
Price: $125.00