Frankfurt Book Fair opens

FRANKFURT, Germany - The Frankfurt Book Fair kicked off Tuesday with a special focus on education and promoting literacy around the world, with some 7,500 publishers presenting books from more than 100 countries.

German Finance Minister Peer Steinbrueck officially opened the annual trade fair, one of the most important in the international publishing industry and a key event for selling foreign-language rights.

Juergen Boos, the fair's director, said some 770 million people worldwide are illiterate. An important element of this year's book fair is a Literacy Campaign that hopes to help combat the problem.

"The days when the Book Fair was considered only an 'event' are over," Boos told reporters at the official opening ceremony.

Authors including Umberto Eco, Fay Weldon and Guenter Grass are expected to attend the fair.

Literary works from Spain's Catalonian region are being showcased at this year's event — a rare selection for a region instead of a nation. In August, Spain's literary world cried foul and, consequently, top Spainish-language writers are included on the list of invited guests, although many have refused to attend, calling the gesture an insulting afterthought prompted by political interference.

Some 300,000 people are expected to attend the Book Fair, which opens to publishers on Wednesday and runs through Sunday, with the final days open to the public.

• Email Story
• IM Story
• Printable View

RECOMMEND THIS STORY

Recommend It:

Not at All Somewhat Moderately Highly Very Highly

Average (Not Rated)

» Recommended Stories