Plot Summary

Beer and Circus

Murray A. Sperber
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Beer and Circus

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2000

Book Brief

Murray A. Sperber

Beer and Circus

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2000
Book Details
Pages

352

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

American Colleges • 20th century

Publication Year

2000

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Beer and Circus by Murray A. Sperber argues that big-time college sports negatively impact the quality of undergraduate education by diverting funds and attention away from academics and fostering a detrimental party culture. He examines the financial exploitation of student athletes and the prioritization of sports over education, offering solutions to enhance academic standards and reduce the influence of athletics on campuses. The book discusses issues of alcohol abuse and underage drinking.

Informative

Challenging

Contemplative

Mysterious

Reviews & Readership

3.8

412 ratings

58%

Loved it

31%

Mixed feelings

12%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Beer and Circus by Murray A. Sperber provides a critical analysis of the commercialization of higher education and its impact on student culture. Reviewers appreciate the book's engaging style and thorough research but note it can be repetitive and lacks solutions to the issues presented. Some also find the author's tone overly cynical. Nonetheless, it is praised for sparking necessary debate.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Beer and Circus?

Readers who would enjoy Beer and Circus by Murray A. Sperber are typically interested in the intersection of higher education and collegiate sports culture. Fans of The Shame of the Nation by Jonathan Kozol or Friday Night Lights by H.G. Bissinger will appreciate the critical examination of academia and athletics.

3.8

412 ratings

58%

Loved it

31%

Mixed feelings

12%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

352

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

American Colleges • 20th century

Publication Year

2000

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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