This four-volume reference is unusual in its approach, organization, and depth. An introductory essay discusses the history, culture, and practice of sports around the world and explains some over-arching themes pertaining to their importance and the importance of studying sports in their cultural contexts. Aiming unequivocally to support this emphasis, the editors have organized the contents geographically, with sections devoted to Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Oceania, the British Isles, Europe, Latin America, and North America. Entries are devoted to the sports themselves; but depth of coverage comes from the detailing of football, for example, in Argentina, Bolivia, and Brazil, as well as China, Japan, and Korea, among other countries. Each entry is signed and includes references. General-topic entries include coaching, the disabled, globalization, imperialism, the media, music, sexuality, sociology, psychology, medicine, museums, and tourism, among other topics. The fourth volume is devoted to Olympic medalists and winners of major world sporting events--presented in charts and tables. The two editors are affiliated as follows: John Nauright (Academy of International Sport; sport management, George Mason U. and the U. of the West Indies, Barbados); and Charles Parrish (sport management, George Mason U.). Four regional editors assisted. Annotation ©2012 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)