We already reported on two new books about Eurovision : one in German and another one in Norwegian, both penned by specialists of the contest. A third one is now available, this time in French : “La folie de l'Eurovision – les meilleures anecdotes” (Eurovision extravaganza – the best anecdotes), is written by Nancy Ferroni and Jean-Pierre Hautier, the later being the French-speaking Belgian commentator.

The book is launched today, Friday May 21st, in Belgium, and will also be available shortly in France, thanks to the publishing company Les Editions de l'Arbre. A foreword has been written by Belgian winner Sandra Kim.

Jean-Paul Hautier first commented the contest for the RTBF in 1994, the first year Belgium didn't take part (due to the last place the year before). Hautier, who was not a specialist at the time – as he admits it – reckons that the task was a bit strange to him but it quickly became a pleasure. Hautier's comments are famous for being respectful with the artists, thus very professional. "It is due to the fact that I have been helped by Belgian fans of the contest" he declares.

A long and interesting interview (in French) with Jean-Pierre Hautier, by Pierre Bertinchamps, can be found here.