Eurovision!: A History of Modern Europe Through the World's Greatest Song Contest

"Do you think the world of the Eurovision Song Contest, with thecrazy props, even crazier dancers and crazier still songs has nothing to do with serious European politics? Think again. The Contest is watched by over 200 million viewers worldwide. It's one big party - but it's also a mirror for the enormous changes in society, fashion, politics, technology, and ideas that have swept the continent since 1956, when the first contestants stood and sang in ballgowns and dinner jackets. It has beamed hope across the Iron Curtain, inspired new nations, given voices to silent minorities and once again even triggered a national revolution. [This book] tells the parallel stories of the Contest and of modern Euriope. It shows how seamlessly they interact, and what a fantastic journey it has been."--Back cover.