Vibrantly and sympathetically told, this is the story of one remarkable year - a capsule history of exhilarating triumphs and shattering defeats around the world. 'Vivid, powerful and panoramic ... I loved it.' Dominic Sandbrook 1956 was one of the most remarkable years of the twentieth century. All across the globe, ordinary people spoke out, filled the streets and city squares, and took up arms in an attempt to win their freedom. In response to these unprecedented challenges to their authority, those in power fought back, in a desperate bid to shore up their position. It was an epic contest, and one which made 1956 - like 1789 and 1848 - a year that changed our world.