The London 2012 Olympics is the definitive account of the world "s greatest sporting mega-event. It tells the complete story of the London Games from inception, through the successful bidding process and the planning and preparation phase to delivery, aftermath and legacy. Written by a world-class team of international Olympic experts, sports researchers and writers, the book offers comprehensive analysis of the full social, cultural, political, historical, economic and sporting context of the Games. From the political, commercial and structural complexities of organising an event on such a scale, to the sporting action that holds the attention of the world for three thrilling weeks, this book illuminates every aspect of the London Games, helping us to better understand the vital role that sport and culture have in contemporary global society. The book is divided into two volumes. This, the first volume, examines the build up to the Games, covering key topics such as: The bidding process Planning and decision making Financing the Games Developing the Olympic infrastructure Engaging national and international governing bodies of sport Engaging the UK public Engaging a global public Developing a legacy programme The Cultural Olympiad Richly illustrated with the personal accounts of key stakeholders, from sports administrators and politicians to athletes and spectators, and including essential data and evocative visual material, this book is essential reading for anybody with a personal or professional interest in the Olympic Games, global culture or the development of sport.