Eurovision!: A History of Modern Europe Through The World’s Greatest Song Contest

An entertaining look at the changing face of the Eurovision Song Contest and the political and cultural influences behind its kitsch and glitzy facade. Do you think the world of the Eurovision Song Contest, with its crazy props, even crazier dancers and crazier still songs has nothing to do with serious European politics? Think again. The contest has been a mirror for cultural, social and political developments in Europe ever since its inauguration in 1956. It has been a voice of rebellion across the Iron Curtain, the voice of liberation for both sexual and regional minorities and it even once triggered a national revolution. Eurovision! charts both the history of Europe and the history of the Eurovision Song Contest over the last six decades and shows how seamlessly they interlink ? and what an amazing journey it has been. . 'A feast for any Eurovision fan. As through a history of the contest as anyone could desire.' Graham Norton . 'This book definitely gets douze points from me.' Mel Giedroyc . 'Eurovision! will provide you with a succinct, entertaining overview of European life over the past sixty years.' Times Literary Supplement . 'West argues that while the contest has evolved to show tolerance, the EU has proved less flexible... this is a book for ardent Eurovision fans who will lap up the Eurotrivia.' Daily Express . 'Amid all the engaging pop trivia, West works hard to make his political points, and his introduction is persuasive.' Guardian