The machinations of the European Union can be baffling, as can the behaviour of its residents. In this book journalist Melissa Rossi brings the dynamic and intriguing elements of Europe to life, exploring each member nation's quirks chapter by chapter in a bid to reduce Europeans' ignorance of the EU.

For a start, readers will learn exactly which countries are in the club. They can also pick up some Berlusconi-isms ('For gathering corpses, pedalos are fine') or learn where to find the Stalin World theme park, described as 'Disney meets the Gulag'. Art movements, politics and language are explained, and Rossi imparts some fantastically bizarre details.

The Armchair Diplomat on Europe is published by Penguin on the 26 August for £12.99. To order it for £11.99 with free UK p&p call the Observer Books Service on 0870 836 0885 or visit www.observer.co.uk/bookshop.