- Hardcover: 192 pages
- Publisher: Carlton Books Ltd (18 Dec 2004)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 184442586X
- ISBN-13: 978-1844425860
- Product Dimensions: 28.2 x 22 x 1.8 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (24 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 628,005 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- See Complete Table of Contents
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More About the Author
Product Description
Product Description
Published to coincide with the 50th Anniversary of the Eurovision Song Contest, this is the official, the first and the definitive history of the annual event that is now a global phenomenon. The fun and the feuds, the high points, the dismal lows, the scandals, the most outrageous outfits, the innovators and the copy cats, this glorious book captures the singular flavour of Eurovision, charting its journey from the first competition in 1955 - just seven entrants, broadcast from a tiny venue in Switzerland with a studio audience of 200 - to the international extravaganza watched by 300 million viewers that it has become today. It's a completely unique event in modern pop music, with its own agenda entirely, that has spawned almost as many anti-heroes as it has stars. Illustrated throughout with colour and black and white photos, and rare memorabilia including artwork for singles, this book is a nostalgic and resplendent celebration of an at times eccentric competition that is adored by hundreds of millions. It is as compulsive as the show itself.
About the Author
John Kennedy O'Connor has been a fan of Eurovision ever since he can remember. He has every single sleeve for every Eurovision entry, and is passionate about the show. He is an Englishman living in San Francisco and this is his first book.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
55 of 57 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Boom Bang-a-Brilliant!,
By Nick - A Euro Addict (London, UK) - See all my reviews
This review is from: "Eurovision Song Contest": 50th Anniversary - The Official History (Hardcover)
One of TV's greatest phenomenon's and longest running show's, The Eurovision Song Contest reaches it's 50th edition in 2005 and (ironically for a BBC show) Carlton Books are publishing this remarkable book to mark the occasion, in conjunction with the European Broadcasting Union.Author John Kennedy O'Connor has wonderfully captured the spirit of this annual tele-visual kitsch fest in a lavishly illustrated book spanning the entire history of this much maligned show that started as a one off event in a small Swiss theatre in 1956, with just seven competing nations, and is now a two-day event featuring upwards of forty countries, some from well beyond Europe's borders. Covering all the highs and lows of the competition and including intriguing and little-known backstage gossip and anecdotes, O'Connor's style is wonderfully entertaining and provides a genuinely interesting and slightly ironic tribute to the contest and the stars and songs that have featured in it over the years. The book is divided into two distinct sections. The monochrome era of the show from 1956-1967 is covered in double page chapters; whereas the colour broadcasts from 1968 all get four pages each. The entries and results for every year are included alongside numerous and very rare colour and black and white photographs of the artists as well as artwork for all the winning singles, together with their international chart history. Most fun of all, O'Connor has compiled a fascinating "Eurofacts" section that covers all of the trivial statistics that fans crave and that intrigue the general viewers. If you want to know what colour scheme is best to wear if you want to win - you'll find it here! Most people know which nation won the most contests, but which country finished 16th most frequently? Which nation is best at choosing the winner, or worst for that matter? Who conducted the most number of entries and for the most number of nations? It's all here and a lot more. I really enjoyed the style and wit of this author. He has successfully managed to produce an in depth look at the contest without taking it all too seriously and yet write a genuinely enthusiastic and fascinating history of the competition that everyone loves to hate. His flair with words is wonderful and makes for a very entertaining read. Here's to another 50 years of fun!
53 of 55 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
fantastic!,
By A Customer
This review is from: "Eurovision Song Contest": 50th Anniversary - The Official History (Hardcover)
A great book for fans of the cheesiest contest on TV - evocative and nostalgic, it brings back my memories of a 70's family huddled over their makeshift score sheets whilst simultaneously giving Norway nul points. Only Wogan himself could do better. Who remembers Frizzle Sizzle, the barefooted foorsome from Holland? and could you ever forget Dana International the Transexual Israeli entrant? This is the definitive guide and a must have for this years annual eurovision party (complete with official drinking game). It is both funny, yet respectful compendium of a contest that has launched some great talents into the pop charts, and Celine Dion
28 of 29 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The History Book on the Shelf....,
By ESC King "ESC King" (London, UK) - See all my reviews
This review is from: The "Eurovision Song Contest": The Official History (Paperback)
One of TV's greatest phenomenons and longest running shows, The Eurovision Song Contest reached its 50th edition in 2005 and (ironically for a BBC show) Carlton Books published this remarkable book to mark the occasion, in conjunction with the European Broadcasting Union. This paperback edition updates the book to include the 2005 contest in Kiev and brings all the stats and facts up to date ahead of this year's contest in Athens.
Author John Kennedy O'Connor has wonderfully captured the spirit of this annual tele-visual kitsch fest in a lavishly illustrated book spanning the entire history of this much maligned show that started as a one off event in a small Swiss theatre in 1956, with just seven competing nations, and is now a two-day event featuring upwards of forty countries, some from well beyond Europe's borders. Covering all the highs and lows of the competition and including intriguing and little-known backstage gossip and anecdotes, O'Connor's style is very entertaining and provides a genuinely interesting and slightly ironic tribute to the contest and the stars and songs that have featured in it over the years. The book is divided into two distinct sections. The monochrome era of the show from 1956-1967 is covered in double page chapters; whereas the colour broadcasts from 1968 all get four pages each. The entries and results for every year are included alongside numerous and very rare colour and black and white photographs of the artists as well as artwork for all the winning singles, together with their international chart history. Most fun of all, O'Connor has compiled a fascinating "Eurofacts" section that covers all of the trivial statistics that fans crave and that intrigue the general viewers. If you want to know what colour scheme is best to wear if you want to win - you'll find it here! Most people know which nation won the most contests, but which country finished 16th most frequently? Which nation is best at choosing the winner, or worst for that matter? Who conducted the most number of entries and for the most number of nations? It's all here and a lot more. Also included in the new edition is a summary of the semi-finals from recent contests. I really enjoyed the style of this author, who clearly knows his Euro stuff. He has successfully managed to produce an in depth look at the contest without taking it all too seriously and yet write a genuinely enthusiastic and fascinating history of the competition that everyone loves to hate. His style makes for a very entertaining read. Here's to another 50 years of fun!
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