Major European book fair promotes new Georgian literature

Readers of the world can explore Georgian literature and highly anticipated German translations of new Georgian works at one of Europe’s major book fairs – the 2016 Leipzig Book Fair in eastern Germany. 

Thousands of people are expected to descent on Leipzig for this year’s book fair, which over four days will host 2,000 international exhibitors and about 3,000 literary events.

This will be the fifth time Georgia will man a stall at the Leipzig Book Fair. 

At the fair Georgia will present works by 10 contemporary authors as well as four new pieces of Georgian literature recently translated into German.

The fair will feature publication categories including book art and graphics. Photo from the Leipzig Book Fair Press Centre.

The new translations include a biographical piece on the life and career of celebrated 20th Century late Georgian composer Aleksi Machavariani, printed in German by Wolke publishing house.

The Leipzig Book Fair is a celebrated event in the annual calendar of the literary world. Germany's second largest book fair after the leading European event in Frankfurt, the Leipzig Book Fair is the year's first major trade meeting, attracting leading organisations and industry figures.

The Leipzig literary event is expected to include more than 3,000 literary events over the four-day event. Photo from Leipzig Book Fair.

Georgia's appearance at the fair in recent years was supported by the Ministry of Culture and Monument Protection of Georgia and the Georgian Publishers and Booksellers Association.

The 2016 Leipzig Book Fair will run from March 17-20. The fair will feature 14 sections for various publication categories including education, book art and audio books.