Mike Lee's Book About 2012

[ghost1]

Has anyone read "The race for the 2012 Olympics. The Inside Story of How London Won the Bid" by Mike Lee (the Director of Communications and Public Affairs of the London bid)?

Is it any good?

[cfm Jeremie]

It's worth reading it: interesting to see the campaign from an internal point of view (although, according to the book, Mike Lee basically did all the job ;-) ).

[Stu]

To echo what Jeremie has said - really interesting to read, however, Mike Lee does place himself as the most influential figure in decisions made during the 2012 bid.

[ghost1]

It's worth reading it: interesting to see the campaign from an internal point of view.

Does this make it a little one-sided?

Does it mention the other bids or is it just about London's?

Thanks

[Stu]

The other bids are mentioned, particularly Paris, but the book is primarily focused on decision making in the London bid. It's easy to forget what an unlikely winner London was initially - the bid had such a hesitant start.

[cfm Jeremie]

The other bids are mentioned, particularly Paris, but the book is primarily focused on decision making in the London bid. It's easy to forget what an unlikely winner London was initially - the bid had such a hesitant start.

Indeed, the book is a testimony to the power of PR and smart campaigning.

If you think about it, London bid didn't evolve that much between the applicant and candidate cities phases (a few venues were moved but the basis of the bid remained unchanged). London coming up from behind to claim victory was achieved through the total involvement of all the government parties and the powerful story told by Coe, Lee & Co.

[ghost1]

Thanks, I think I'm gonna order the book...

[scooter133]

I haven't read this book even though it sounds interesting. One 2012 book I have read is "The 2012 Bid" by Chetan Dave. If you basically want a synopsis of each city's bid, this is the book for you. If you're looking for any kind of insight, inside information, or quotes of any kind from any kind of bid worker or authority, you'll have to look elsewhere.