CHECK IT OUT:

Passing the torch refers to the announcement of official Olympic Game fever with all its attendant politics, protests and hopes, and is building as athletes, trainers, judges and media personal begin to plan and organize for the world’s nations to compete in China.

Passing the torch also refers to another phase or transition in life; in this case, my retirement from the library.

So in the spirit of torch passing, I am passing the Daily Pilot column on to fabulous librarians from the Newport Beach Public Library to continue the tradition of bringing the “Check It Out” readers the best from the library.

Here’s to passing the torch!

“The Ancient Olympics: A History” by Nigel Jonathan Spivey: The Ancient Grecian games were created during a cessation of warfare among the Greek city-states. The celebrations and games that composed the event, complete with sacrifices to the gods, is historically recreated for a modern audience.

“Beijing: From Imperial Capital to Olympic City” by Lillian M. Li, Alison J. Dray-Novey and Haili Kong: This guide covers the history of Beijing, from the imperial court days to the present. Discover the story of its modernization, building programs and up-to-date ideas to cater to the varied athletics.

“Triumph: The Untold Story of Jesse Owens and Hitler’s Olympics” by Jeremy Schaap: Relive the phenomenal story of track and field star Jesse Owens at the Winter 1936 Olympics in Berlin. Period black-and-white photographs highlight the conflicts inherent during the events.

“Nazi Games: The Olympics of 1936” by David Clay Large: Although this new title details the Athenian history of the games, the emphasis is on the Nazi political ideals and the quest to celebrate “Aryan” superiority over other nationalities.

If unclear as to the outcome of this pursuit, see the above title.

“The Real Olympics: DVD” directed, produced and written by Antony Thomas: Host Brian Greene narrates the Olympic story highlighting the modern traditions and provides a historical reconstruction of the ancient games.

“The Olympic Series: Golden Moments of the Olympic Games on DVD” produced by Martin Callanan: In cooperation with the International Olympic Committee, narrator Robert Powell covers defining moments during the modern games dating from the 1920s. Feel the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat.

CHECK IT OUT is written by staff of the Newport Beach Public Library. Use your Newport Beach Public Library card to reserve these titles at www.newportbeachlibrary.org or call (949) 717-3800 and press 2.