Contents

Introduction to the 50th Anniversary Edition

THE FIRST FOUR MINUTES

Introduction

1. European Games, Berne 1954

2. Early Days

3. Oxford – Initiation

4. Oxford – Graduation

5. Olympic Games, Wembley 1948

6. First Tour in America, 1949

7. Hesitation and Transition, 1949–50

8. Training and Touring, 1950–51

9. Benjamin Franklin Mile and First British Mile Title, 1951

10. Preparation for Olympic Games, Helsinki 1952

11. Olympic Games, Helsinki 1952

12. So Near and Yet – 1953

13. Four-Minute Mile, 1954

14. Empire Games, Vancouver 1954

Conclusion

Steps to the First Four-Minute Mile

After the First Four Minutes

Peril in the Post

Running Cold

Mile Record Holders since 1954

Author’s Acknowledgements