In the 12 chapters of this book the authors argue for the universal presence of music in public space and social relations. The examples of American, British, Hungarian, Polish and Russian music serve to elucidate two functions of political music, that of legitimizing and contesting political power. Both satirical songs with their ironic commentary on specific events and people as well as protest songs undermining the system corroborate the universal character of the legitimizing and delegitimizing function of music. The book is addressed to readers interested in countercultural movements and politically engaged music, especially to students of political studies, sociology and cultural studies.

Tomasz Bichta, Ph.D., is Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Political Science and Journalism at the Maria Curie-Sk?odowska University in Lublin, Poland. His research interests are political systems, and politico-cultural transformations in African countries. Anna Szwed-Walczak, Ph.D., is Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Political Science and Journalism at the Maria Curie-Sk?odowska University. Her research interests are political communication with focus on the Polish national movement.