This week, we’re reading about the Olympics. And since 2012 marks the fortieth year since 1972, we’re especially interested in the infamous massacre that marred the memory of that year’s summer Olympics.

So far, the most chilling, comprehensive and intriguing report we’ve found on that event is “Munich 1972: Tragedy, Terror, and Triumph at the Olympic Games” by David Clay Large.

Large isn’t just an expert on Eastern European history — he was also present at the 1972 Games, during which the Black September, a Palestinian terrorist group, was responsible for the death of 17 people, including 11 members of the Israeli Olympic team.

This is a sobering read, to be sure. But it’s also informative and a good reminder that NBC’s five-ring circus has a long and storied past that’s worth exploring.

Pairs well with: Water. As much as McDonald’s probably wants its Cherry Berry Chillers to be the official drink of the games, we’re sticking to our guns. Yes, our water guns.