Friday, October 14, 2011

Leipzig, the other German book fair

The central Messehaus am Markt, where the bookfair was held for many years
Before WW2, Leipzig was known as the centre of German book publishing and since the 17th century has had an annual spring bookfair, the Frühjahrsmesse, one of the most important in Europe.

After the division of Germany, most western publishers lost interest in going to Leipzig which was then in the East and the Frankfurt am Main bookfair replaced it.

The Leipzig fair continues today, and occcuring 5 months after Frankfurt, gives German publishers an opportunity to present new year titles to the public.  How many foreigners go as well, we don't know.

No comments: