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Distributed for Intellect Ltd

Signifying Europe

Signifying Europe provides a systematic overview of the wide range of symbols used to represent Europe and Europeanness, both by the political elite and the broader public. Through a critical interpretation of the meanings of the various symbols—and their often contradictory or ambiguous dimensions—Johan Fornäs uncovers illuminating insights into how Europe currently identifies itself and is identified by others outside its borders. While the focus is on the European Union’s symbols, those symbols are also interpreted in relation to other symbols of Europe. Offering insight into the cultural dimensions of European unification, this volume will appeal to students, scholars, and politicians interested in European policy issues, cultural studies, and postnational cultural identity.


339 pages | 40 halftones | 7 x 9 | © 2012

Culture Studies

Media Studies


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Table of Contents

List of Illustrations
Introduction

Chapter 1: Name and myth
    What’s in a name—and in a myth?
    Introducing and interpreting the name and myth of Europe
    Comparisons
    Phoenix, Prometheus and post-World War II resurrection
    Captain Euro
    Conclusions
Chapter 2: Identifying Symbols
    Meanings
    Interpretations
    Polysemies
    Identities
    Identifiers
    Keys
    Approaching European symbols
Chapter 3: Symbols of a Union
    The emergence of Europe
    Introducing the EU symbols
Chapter 4: Day
    What’s in a day?
    Introducing Europe Day
    Interpreting Europe Day
    Comparisons and commentary
    Conclusions
Chapter 5: Motto
    What’s in a motto?
    Introducing the European motto
    Interpreting the European motto
    Comparisons and commentary
    Conclusion
Chapter 6: Flag
    What’s in a flag?
    Introducing the European flag
    Interpreting the European flag
    Comparisons and commentary
    Conclusions
Chapter 7: Anthem
    What’s in an anthem?
    Introducing the European anthem
    Interpreting Beethoven’s Ode to Joy
    Interpreting the European anthem
    Comparisons
    Conclusions
Chapter 8: Currency
    What’s in a currency?
    Introducing the euro
    Interpreting the common euro designs
    Interpreting the national euro coin designs
    Comparisons
    Conclusions
Chapter 9: Projecting Europe
    Additional symbolic realms
    Four facets
    In conclusion

Notes
References
List of Figure Sources
Index
Illustrations

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