With particular focus on the London Games in 2012, this book casts a critical eye over the bidding process, Olympic finance, promises of legacy and development, and the consequences of hosting the Games for the civil rights and liberties of those living in their shadow. No other book has ever offered closer scrutiny of the inner workings of Olympism's political and economic network, and therefore this book is indispensible reading for any student or researcher with an interest in the Olympics, the cultural, political and economic impact of sport, or sporting mega-events.