Book excerpt: The focus of this book is the influence of mega-events in the transformation of image construction practices in their host cities. It uses the idea of urban image construction as a lens through which to examine the spectacles of mega-events, with chapters exploring different themes that compose the imagineering process. The physical and social dimensions of these spectacles are addressed, as is the emerging resistance to controversial initiatives. The book explores the unique conditions of mega-event hosting by employing a political-economy point of view and focusing the analytical lenses on Rio de Janeiro and Beijing, two recent Olympic host cities with immense social inequalities.