Frankfurt book fair opens doors

The Frankfurt book fair, often described as the world’s biggest book show, opened its doors in the German city Tuesday.

The Frankfurt book fair, often described as the world’s biggest book show, opened its doors in the German city Tuesday.

Well over 6000 international publishers – among them 120 from Switzerland – are presenting their works and services both to commercial and individual visitors.

Swiss publishers and representatives of major Swiss book stores are highlighting the latest Swiss literary achviements and provide a platform for the Swiss Arts Council.

The Swiss section in Frankfurt also presents the highly-specialised skills of the bookbinding school “Centro del bel Libro” in southern canton Ticino and stages an exhibition titled, “The most beautiful books of 1998.”

Hungary is the focus country of this year’s book fair. Readings, concerts and about 100 new book titles translated from Hungarian into German will be among the cultural highlights featured at the fair.

The growing importance of the Internet in the book and publishing business is also gaining in importance: About one in four exhibitors in Frankfurt offers access to special online publications.

Copyright and distribution rights issues are some of the central themes discussed in light of an increasing number of customers ordering their books via the Internet from all over the world.

As the book fair got underway, the board overseeing the Frankfurt show announced that Lorenzo Rudolf of Switzerland would take over as head of the book fair.

Rudolf — who has organised one of the leading art shows in the world, known as ART Basel — will take over from Peter Weidhaas next year.

From staff and wire reports.