Editor’s Foreword (Jon Woronoff)
Preface
Acronyms and Abbreviations
Chronology of Skiing
Introduction
The Dictionary
Appendixes
A. Olympic Winter Games: Sites, Dates, Nations, Athletes
B. Olympic Winter Games Nordic and Alpine: Men
C. Olympic Winter Games Nordic and Alpine: Women
D. Nordic World Championships: Men
E. Nordic World Championships: Women
F. Alpine World Championships: Men
G. Alpine World Championships: Women
H. Nordic World Cup Sprint, Distance, Overall: Men
I. Nordic World Cup Sprint and Distance, Overall: Women
J. Ski Flying World Cup
K. Speed Skiing Records
L. Worldloppet Marathons
M. Interski Venues
N. Ski Museums
Bibliography
About the Author
E. John B. Allen is emeritus professor of history at Plymouth State University in New Hampshire. This is his ninth book on skiing.
Allen (emer., Plymouth State Univ.; winner, 2009 International
Skiing History Association's Lifetime Achievement Award) offers a
very handy reference that is also a thoroughly researched guide to
the history of skiing. Well constructed as a dictionary, it
supplies boldface cross-references and makes effective use of see
and see also references. International in scope, the entries
average a dozen lines in length and include sport terminology
(e.g., Telemark Skiing), countries from Albania to the former
Yugoslavia, famous (e.g., Bode Miller) and significant (e.g.,
Fridtjof Nansen) people, and anecdotal references (e.g., "Ski
Heil!"). Lengthier entries appear on topics including women on
skis, ski fashions, and several countries. The real richness of the
work is evident in the opening chronology and extensively
referenced historical introduction. The chronology extends from
20,000 to 10,000 BCE to competitive events scheduled through 2018.
It successfully shows the expanding use of skis via entries
covering materials, military use, competition, law, exploration,
training, and more. It also provides a supportive lead-in to the
introduction--arguably the book's strongest portion. In very
conversational fashion, this 24-page section, including 5 pages of
endnotes, seeks to provide historical context for the dictionary
entries. Numerous appendixes supply information on podium listings
at championship events; skiing museums; event locations; and ski
flying and speed skiing records. A topically arranged bibliography
concludes the work. This volume will leave users awaiting future
works focused on specific countries and regions. Summing Up: Highly
recommended.
*CHOICE*
E. John B. Allen, is an American Emeritus Professor of History who
has written nine previous books on the history of skiing and in
this one he has produced a through and interesting work any ski
enthusiast will enjoy dipping into.
*s*
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