In this engaging, accessible and impeccably researched book, Lisboa: A Cidade Vista de Fora, 1933-1974, tells the stories of the colourful array of international personalities who came to the city of Lisbon during the one of the most controversial periods in its modern history, the period of the Estado Novo.

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Lisboa: A Cidade Vista de Fora, 1933-1974 is the story of the city as told through the eyes of those people who witnessed it at first hand. Exiled kings and queens, spies, diplomats, world leaders and heads of state, refugees, Hollywood film stars and celebrities of the day offer their unique perspectives on the city of light.  Some only stayed in the city for a short time while others chose to make Lisbon their permanent home.  Some came by choice, while circumstances such as war, forced exile and necessity left others with little choice but to flee to Lisbon.

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The presence of this rich tapestry of people in the city was no coincidence, rather a reflection of the continued importance of Europe’s most westerly capital city during this time. The centrality of Lisbon’s importance to events in Europe remains one the last best-kept secrets of 20th century history.

For those readers who believe that Lisbon’s contribution to the world stopped at the passing of the Age of Portuguese Exploration, the contents of this book might come as something of a surprise.