Book fair to turn into treasure trove

Book lovers will love this. Interested in buying books at throwaway prices. Visit the ongoing book fair at the Institution of Engineers (IEI) held by a Goa-based book shop.

Broadway Book Centre, Panjim, is offering a variety of books in fiction, education, management, medical, children’s stories and teaching books with addition to interior designing, photography, artists’ collections and travel guides at just Rs50.

The owner of Broadway Book Centre, Khalil Ahmed, said that the month-long fair would continue till October 9. It is open from 9 am to 9 pm.

Although the bookseller has been organising such events since 2001, it is for the first time that they are selling books at such a low price to clear stocks of its three stores in Goa.

The owner has put on sale over 1 lakh books, half of which is already sold.

Full report here DNA

A time to read

Book lovers rub shoulders at the Annual Book fair in Madurai

“To acquire the habit of reading is to construct for yourself a refuge from almost all the miseries of life.”
— W. Somerset Maugham

Having attended Delhi and Kolkata book fairs in the past, I had been waiting for Madurai's annual date with books with equal enthusiasm. The experience of buying books in the open air, of being surrounded by book lovers, of drowning yourself in the world of new releases despite the cacophony around, the excitement of stocking up your personal library is unmatched! The memories of puddles of water on the fair grounds, public address systems blaring out names and numbers of stalls for easy identification, bamboo poles lying about, smell of dust and freshly-printed books.

Book fairs used to be the place where one loved to leaf through the lavish coffee table books, compilations of pictures from Life magazine or National Geographic's anniversary collection, various encyclopaedias or some rare editions that were beyond our budget. It was also the place you were sure of grabbing a copy of your favourite fiction and non-fiction, sought-after titles or limited edition books, classics and autobiographies and the ever-popular books on revolutions and leaders.

Full report here Hindu

Hindi fares well at the DBF

They brought books on Anna, but ironically it was Anna who took the limelight away. The opening day of the Delhi Book Fair at Pragati Maidan drew a lukewarm response, and publishers who had dotted pathways leading to the hall with posters of books on Anna Hazare expecting the social worker’s popularity to sweep the sales, were left disappointed because all roads in the capital led to Ramlila Grounds this weekend.
Assuring that there’s no cause for concern over the lack of crowds at the fair, V. K. Gauba, officer on special duty, at ITPO, said, “The footfall takes time to pick up. It’s a 9-day-long fair and we’ve seen in the past that the last few days have had the highest turnout. So we can expect the usual packed halls by the next weekend.”

While the focus this year will be on travel and tourism, participants also inform that alongwith English and Hindi, a sizeable percentage of books were in other 16 official languages. Raghuvir Verma of Prabhat Prakashan, says, “The 10 top selling Hindi publishers are regulars (at the fair), but vernacular languages like Urdu, Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, have caught up. In fact a lot many visitors come looking for these languages and foreign stalls as well.”

Parth Kumar, Class 4 student of Vivekanand School, Vivek Vihar, was busy looking for Hindi versions of Anne Frank’s Diary and Ruskin Bond’s Rusty series. “They have a little problem following their favourite author JK Rowling in English and certain terms need to be explained. But the novels in Hindi are a breeze,” informs his mother.

Full report here Asian Age

Readers, Rejoice!

Perfect retreat for the extended weekend comes in the form of National Book Fair that opened on Friday, Oct 1.

Release of as many as 11 books by city/UP authors, a pavilion dedicated to Rabindranath Tagore on the occasion of his 150th anniversary year, opportunity to meet authors not only from the city, including Kamtanath and Mudrarakshas, but even others like Mahesh Bhatt, whose book was released recently and as many as five stalls vending Urdu books are the highlights of the National Book Fair that was inaugurated by Governor BL Joshi on Friday at Moti Mahal Lawns on Rana Pratap Marg, Lucknow.

“The threat to law and order notwithstanding, we managed to get an overwhelming response from publishers, only a few of whom did not turn up,” said organiser of the fair in Lucknow, Devraj Arora. “All the stalls are taken and we expect a footfall and revenue better than previous years.”

Full report here Indian Express

A new chapter in literary exchange

Within minutes of the inauguration of the Indian stand - designed to resemble a typical rural Indian courtyard, with images etched in relief on the faux mud walls - at the Beijing International Book Fair (BIBF), those manning its neat stalls began receiving questions.

Kumar Vikram, press and programs officer of the National Book Trust (NBT), India - the nodal agency for publishing and distributing Indian books worldwide - and his colleagues had difficulty fielding queries about how visitors might take home some of the eye-catching offerings on display. Most of them did not speak any of the 18 languages in which these books were written.

Unfortunately, the titles were not on sale, although a few select ones, translated into Chinese, were being handed out.

"Our main agenda is to arouse curiosity about Indian books among writers, readers, publishers and distributors on a larger scale (rather) than being able to sell 50-odd copies at the fair," Vikram says.

Full report here Xinhua

At book fair, China confronts Nehru's sensitive legacy

“Nehru gave China Panchsheel,” remarked Li Changchun, one of China's most powerful leaders, on Tuesday, August 31, morning, as he found himself standing, somewhat surprised, in front of a bust of India's first Prime Minister in the heart of Beijing.

A Chinese visitor poses in front of a replica of Jawaharlal Nehru's
desk, at the India Pavilion at the ongoing Beijing Book Fair 

“In fact,” Mr. Li added, referring to the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence which India and China signed in 1954, “we're still using this to solve our problems with many countries.”

Mr. Li, China's propaganda and media chief and fifth highest ranking leader in the Communist Party, was speaking during a visit to the Indian pavilion at the ongoing Beijing International Book Fair.

India, which is the country of honour at the fair, has brought 26 publishers and is showcasing three main themes — Buddhism, given its close resonance with China, and the writings of Rabindranath Tagore and Nehru. Tagore, who visited China in the 1920s, is widely popular here. He was — and continues to be — a hit with the intellectuals, and is still read in colleges. So, for the Indian organisers, Buddha and Tagore were easy choices.

Full report here Hindu

India exporting English to China

Beijing's publishers are lining up to check if books by Indian authors could teach Chinese students and call-centre employees better English than American textbooks. At a time when bilateral ties are strained, the neighbours are finding common ground over a foreign language. India is the country of honour at the 58-nation Beijing International Book Fair that opened on Monday with 27 Indian publishers showcasing 3,500 titles.

“The Chinese are greatly interested in copyright and translation rights for books to learn call-centre English," Sanjiv Chawla, manager of exports at the Delhi-based Orient BlackSwan told HT at the fair. “The Chinese have a fixed idea that English is best taught by the Americans and British, so we have to explain that English is like a second-language for Indians.’’

Books on Buddhism, Rabindranath Tagore and Jawaharlal Nehru are the centrepiece of India’s pavilion so that past cultural linkages strike a bond with China. But the Chinese publishers are mainly interested in India’s legacy of English education, to see if the books could be adapted to modernise Chinese teaching.

Full report here Hindustan Times

Indian focus at Beijing book fair

India, the country of honor at the Beijing International Book Fair 2010 (BIBF), which kicks off Monday, August 30, is focusing on publications on Buddha and Buddhism, works by Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore and those on and by the country's first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru to mark 60 years of Sino-Indian diplomatic ties.

India's 27 major English language publishers also have a special exhibition of recent books centering on areas such as science and technology, children's literature, medical and social sciences and English language learning books and aids. In total, nearly 3,500 titles are on display at the India pavilion named A Courtyard of Possibilities.

The organizer said that they hope to deepen ties between Indian and Chinese publishers and intellectuals.

"The slogan of the presentation is Exploring the Middle Path, which not only connects it with the Buddhist tradition shared by India and China but also finds a connect with and echoes India's contemporary endeavors to find a common platform of social, economic, cultural and political dialogue with China," said Satish Kumar, director of India's National Book Trust (NBT), organizer of BIBF's Indian programs.

Full report here Global Times

India showcases literary works at China book fair

India, which participated as the ''Country of Honour'' at the Beijing International Book Fair, today showcased its literary works with focus on the great Indian philosophers like Rabindranath Tagore and Jawaharlal Nehru.

India has been accorded the ''Country of Honour'' status by China to commemorate the establishment of 60th year of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Twenty seven noted Indian publishing houses displayed a variety of books in areas such as science and technology, information technology, children''s literature, social sciences, education, books for general reader, English language learning books and aids.

In total, nearly 3500 Indian books are on display at the special pavilion built at the fair to house the Indian books.

The focus of India at the week long book fair is Lord Buddha''s "middle path", Rabindranath Tagore''s travels to China making a lasting impression on a generation of Chinese, Jawaharlal Nehru''s endeavours to promote Sino-Indian ties and India''s growing influence in English publishing.

Full report here MSN

Smallest to heaviest Bibles to be on display

The heaviest and smallest Bibles,besides a 'slide' Bible will be among 800 varieties of the holy book on display at the five-day Cochin International Christian Book Fair, which will get underway in Kochi from September 2.

Around 15,000 books, novels, theological resources, Christian music products, gifts and accessories would be on display and sale, Shaji T Daniel, Kerala Regional Manager of OM Books, which is organising the book fair, said.

The Heaviest Bible weighs seven kilos, the smallest just 10 grams. There is also a waterproof Bible and a steel grip Bible.

"One might come across bibles of different sizes, but the miniature bibles to be exhibited at the fair are certain to draw stares from visitors, he said.

Full report here DNA

Tagore's works being translated into Chinese

Complete works of Rabindranath Tagore are being translated into Chinese, according to a city-based consortium which will participate in the Beijing international Book Fair beginning from August 30.

A marble statue of Tagore will be installed in Shanghai to mark the poet's 150th birth anniversary, president of the Consortium for Books and Culture Debajyoti Dutta said Kolkata on Aug 25.

He said there has been a sea-change in attitude of the Chinese authorities towards Rabindranath who visited that country in the first half the 20th century.

Dutta said India is the theme country at the Beijing Book Fair.

Read more at NDTV: 

Rushdie, Wilson to attend Miami Book Fair

The 2010 edition of the Miami Book Fair International is confirmed for November 14 through 21. On August 13, organisers released program information, including a typically star-studded roster of guests featuring Jonathan Franzen, Salman Rushdie, Nora Ephron, E O Wilson, and Venus Williams.

The Miami Book Fair is now in its 27th year and attracts a crowd of around 250,000 visitors, making it one of the biggest literary festivals in the US. The fair's week-long program of events includes readings by guest authors, spotlights on Spanish-language books and publishing, a rare books focus, and a 'Festival of Authors' that coincides with a street fair held the final weekend of the festival.

Among guests set to appear are author Jonathan Franzen, who will have just released his latest novel Freedom; tennis star Venus Williams, promoting new book Come to Win; author Salman Rushdie, discussing his latest book Luka and the Fire of Life; and controversial filmmaker John Waters, author of Role Models. Also on the program: Jennifer Egan (A Visit from the Goon Squad), Sebastian Junger (War), David Kirkpatrick (The Facebook Effect), comic book artist Charles Burns, and rock journalist Greil Marcus.

Full report here Hindustan Times

Mega, micro Bible draw crowd at expo

The heaviest printed Bible in the country, weighing 7 kg, was displayed amidst 800 varieties of the holy book in every size, shape, material and colour conceivable.

On display at the 5th edition of Chennai International Christian Book Fair, the heavyweight — holy book — had a viewership unmatched excepting its direct competitor, the 10-gm Bible. Barely legible, due to the absence of a suitable magnifier, the micro-Bible certainly caused a few strained eyes, as the exhibition was declared open on Monday.

Exhibited to attract audiences to the fair, the record-holding Bibles were not all about size. “This Bible can be washed in any detergent. Cent per cent waterproof!,” explained an usher, proudly, of the green-jacketed ‘Water-proof Bible’. Rumour had it, that the model had been devised for usage at sea, where in the event of any calamity, the Holy Word would not sink, even if the vessel did.

Full report here New Indian Express

DC Book's 10,000 book release on Aug 12

DC Books would release its 10,000th book Dinantham (End of the day) at a function in Thrissur on August 12, its Chief Executive Officer, Ravi Kizhakemuri said on August 6.

Speaking to reporters here, he said the book would be released as part of the publication house's 36th anniversary celebrations. A 11-day book fair would be held here as part of the celebrations from Aug 12, he said. Former Chief Election Commissioner, Navin Chawla would deliver the 12th memorial lecture on D C Kizhakemuri, founder of South India's largest Book store chain, on Aug 12 here, he said.

'Dinantham' is an anthology by poet and film lyricist O N V Kurup and would be released by noted literateur Dr Sukumar Azhikode. Over 300 reputed national and international publishers would participate in the event, which would feature daily entertainment shows, book releases and informative programmes, he added.

Full report here IBN Live

The write book at the right price

The initial response to the ongoing book fair organized by Ashish Book Centre at Sunder Bai Hall, New Marine Lines, clearly indicates that Mumbai has no shortage of book aficionados.

With more than 2 lakh popular titles available under one roof at an 85% discount, it appears to be the perfect place to stockpile books for the summer. For instance, the India Travel Guide (Lonely Planet) usually sold at Rs1,500 can be availed at a discounted price of Rs500.

Worldwide best-sellers and excellent works by reputed authors which are normally priced at Rs 500 and above, can be obtained here for just Rs50 and Rs100.

A comprehensive range of encyclopaedias is also available at amazing discounts during the book fair, which is being held up to May 3, 2010 from 9 30 am to 8 30 pm.

Full report here DNA

India to be guest country at Turin Book Fair

Literature fans may be rubbing their hands together in anticipation of the 23rd Turin International Book Fair, which kicks off in May and sees India take on the mantel of guest country.

The event takes place at Lingotto Fiere, an old Fiat plant transformed into an exhibition centre in 1985, with publishers attending to discover new talent or thrash out negotiations with current writers and the general public arriving to enjoy the huge array of books and cultural activities that go on.

While two sections are devoted entirely to trade professionals, there is plenty for travellers at accommodation in Turin to do and see.

Among the Indian writers who will be attending the show are Q&A author Vikas Swarup and other top names such as Anita Desai and Anita Nair.

Full report here

New chapter for book fair

The 24th edition of the Guwahati Book Fair, one of the biggest literary events in the Northeast, got under way at Maniram Dewan Trade Centre at Betkuchi on April 3 evening after a series of protests against the shifting of the fair venue from centrally-located spots.

Inaugurating the event, chief minister Tarun Gogoi said his government’s stand that a venue shift would not affect the fair’s popularity has been vindicated by a substantial rise in the number of participants.

Altogether 134 publishing firms from across the country have participated in this year’s fair against 116 last year, he said. Last year, Dispur’s decision to shift the fair venue from centrally-located spots on grounds of their vulnerability to terror attacks and to ease traffic congestion triggered opposition and conflict between the government, book lovers, publishers and intellectuals.

Full  report here Telegraph
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Guwahati Book Fair gets under way today Merinews

Guwahati Book Fair gets under way

Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on April 3 formally inaugurated the 24th Guwahati Book Fair, organized by the Publication Board, Assam, in the Maniram Dewan Trade Centre in Guwahati. Altogether 134 book sellers and publishing houses from different parts of the country are participating in the fair.

Speaking on the occasion, Gogoi asserted that electronic media would never reduce the importance of books and stressed the need for organizing book fairs in smaller towns of the state. He called for coordination between writers and readers and revealed that the Government would examine whether valuable books including dictionaries can be provided to the readers at reduced prices.

The Chief Minister said that the Publication Board should try its best to publish valuable books and expressed the view that the increase in the number of specialized magazines is a positive sign for the state. He also assured that the Government would give stress on improvement of the condition of the libraries of the educational institutions.

Full report here Assam Tribune 

Treasure trove of Urdu books

Writing and publishing of books in Urdu in India is largely restricted to religion and literature. But in Pakistan the canvas of the language is rather large, going by the collection of tomes at the Urdu Kitab Mela (Urdu Book Fair) that is on at Quli Qutb Shah Stadium near the high court. There are books in Urdu on various subjects, be it religion, literature, philosophy, psychology, medicine, engineering, computers, management, personality development, the list is endless.

"I have been importing books from Pakistan on different subjects for a long time now. There is more demand for books on general subjects such as computers, management and personality development from Pakistan. Parents, students and teachers are lapping up these books. The reason, as I see, is books on these subjects are not published in India,'' Syed Abdul Basith Shakeel, partner of Hyderabad-based Huda Book Depot, said. Shakeel Anjum, who has put up Delhi's Anjum Book Depot at the fair, has a wide range of books from Lebanon, Indonesia, Malaysia, Iran and Pakistan.

Full report here Times of India 

English-language books set to open new chapter in India

A booming economy and the emergence of a middle class are believed to be the driving factors behind the boom, with a rise in ideals of womanhood and independence also declared an influential factor, according to the Guardian.

The potential of India as a world force in literature has been something most publishing houses will have considered, a fact perhaps indicated by the large number of the leading names which have a significant presence in the market already.

India's billing as one of the largest English-speaking countries in the world is a powerful marketing tool for publishing houses wishing to get in on a piece of the action, and the latest figures and forecasts indicate that the subcontinent is living up to everybody's expectations.

Anantha Padmanabhan, Penguin's director of sales in India, gave the newspaper a matter-of-fact projection of the industry's future.

Full report here London Book Fair