Swiss delighted by success at Leipzig book fair

How many of these books were left by the time the fair closed? Keystone

Swiss publishers are “delighted” at the interest shown in their books at the Leipzig, Germany, book fair, where Switzerland was the guest of honour. The fair, which opened on Thursday, ended on Sunday, having attracted 175,000 visitors, a record.

The “incredible attention” paid to the Swiss presence “exceeded all expectation,” Dani Landolf, director of the Swiss publishers and booksellers association (SBVV), told the Swiss News Agency. The SBVV organised the event from the Swiss side.

More than 80 Swiss authors from all four language regions attended the fair, along with about 70 publishing houses. They presented their works not only in the fair itself, but at other venues in Leipzig.

In addition to readings and discussions, the Swiss side presented films, plays and concerts. A poetry slam competition between Germany and Switzerland was won by the Swiss Christoph Simon. One highpoint was a discussion between Swiss star architect Peter Zumthor and German film director Wim Wenders.

Switzerland donated 40 red “reading benches” to the city where people are supposed to sit and talk to each other. During the fair they were placed in different locations, but are later to be brought together in a park.