Evelyn Waugh's novel The Ordeal of Gilbert Pinfield is published.

Pablo Picasso's painting Peace is exhibited.

Gian Carlo Menotti founds the Spoleto Festival, which has its first season ninety miles north of Rome, Italy.

Jacques Tati's film Mon Oncle (My Uncle) premieres.

Akira Kurosawa's film The Hidden Fortress premieres.

The first parking meters appear in London.

The last debutantes are presented at the British court.

Pan Am and BOAC (British Overseas Airways) begin transatlantic jet passenger flights.

Brazil wins its first World Cup soccer championship, defeating Sweden 5 to 2. Pele scores two goals for Brazil.

1 Jan.

Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion agrees to establish a new Israeli government.

Feb.

Yves St.-Laurent, a young designer and protege of Christian Dior, makes his debut with his Trapeze line.

11 Feb.

John Osborne and Anthony Creighton's play Epitaph for George Dillon opens at London's Royal Court Theatre.

27 Mar.

Nikita Khrushchev becomes premier of the...