1956 What a Year it Was: Great Birthday or Anniversary idea;

WHAT A YEAR IT WAS! is a fascinating look at the headline events and news-making personalities of 1956. Told through compelling pictures and words, this lavish hardcover volume covers all of the year's biggest stories-the news, entertainment, sports, fashion, fads and people that changed our lives forever. Here, too, is the often overlooked trivia, as well as a generous sampling of vintage ads that will carry you back in time. 1956 was an exciting year in a fast-changing decade. "The Ten Commandments" was the blockbuster film of the year and, just months after his tragic death, James Dean became a rebellious icon for the young generation with the release of "Giant" and "East of Eden." Elvis Presley blazed a path across America as his Rock 'n' Roll conquest of the world picked up steam, while Dick Clark introduced "American Bandstand" and Nat King Cole became the first black performer to host his own primetime TV program. As the Cold War grew chillier, the U.S. tested seventeen nuclear weapons in the Pacific islands. America still liked Ike, reelecting Dwight Eisenhower by a landslide. Martin Luther King, Jr. became a force to be reckoned with as battles for desegregation rattled the southern states. Polio was on it's way to elimination thanks to the wide availability of the Salk vaccine. The "Andrea Doria" luxury liner sank near New York. Yankee Mickey Mantle thrilled baseball fans by winning the Triple Crown. And nonconforming beatniks became the voice for the lost generation. Wherever you were or weren't in 1956, WHAT A YEAR IT WAS! 1956 will bring a sentimental smile to your face as you relive that very special time.

This 2nd Edition publication features a striking and colorful new cover with deluxe UV coating.