Book World Prague or Svet Knihy Praha in Czech is a book fair that attracts close to 35,000 visitors and 400 international exhibitors each year. Organized by the Association of Czech Booksellers and Publishers, it is a book fair as much as a literary festival where books and authors occupy the limelight.
Book World Prague 2009 Highlights
This year, Book World Prague has been granted the status of Official Event of the Czech Presidency of the Council of the EU, which means that writers from countries of the European Union will present their work at the fair. In addition, related events like panel discussions, seminars and author talks will have united Europe as a topic. Highlights include:
- discussions about life in a united Europe, especially topics like identity, diversity and recent trends in European literatures;
- “Cities in 1989” felicitates six European cities – Berlin, Bratislava, Budapest, Prague, Sofia and Warsaw – for their key role in ousting communist regimes at the 20th anniversary of these historical events;
- “Literature and Education” is a forum focusing on reading and literacy programs, university presses and academic institutions;
- “Book World in Film” concentrates on film adaptations of literary works;
- “Book World on Stage” unites the international publishing world with Czech theater.
Book World Prague 2009 Opening Hours and Ticket Prices
The book fair will be held at the Industrial Palace Prague, Holešovice Exhibition Grounds. Opening hours and one-day ticket prices are:
- Thursday, 14th May: 9:30 am – 7 pm; CZK 120 ($6)
- Friday, 15th May: 9:30 am – 7 pm; CZK 100 ($5)
- Saturday, 16th May: 9:30 am – 7 pm; CZK 100 ($5)
- Sunday, 17th May: 9:30 am – 4:30 pm; CZK 50 ($2.5)
Discounts are available for children (6–18 years), students, senior citizens and the handicapped at CZK 50 ($2.5). The price for a four-day ticket is CZK 200 ($10). Entry is free for children under 15 years if accompanied by both parents.
Book World Prague 2008
Last year’s fair saw Spain as guest of honor and accordingly many events around Spanish literature and the Hispanic book market. Argentina and India were new participants at the book event. But the fair also didn’t shy away from unconventional topics like the panel discussion with various publicists and authors on “Sex in Literature” on 26th April, 2008.
Czech author Viktor Slajchrt even claimed: “All literature is erotic,” explaining that he was referring to the relationship of author and reader in general, where the author tries to lure the reader and flirts with him or her, regardless of the topic. That promises exciting entertainment for Book World Prague 2009!
More information about Book World Prague can be found on the fair's official web site or the Association of Czech Booksellers and Publishers’ web site. BookExpo America , taking place May 28-31, might also be of interest to Book World Prague attendees. And from May 30 to June 8, it’s World Book Fair time in Singapore. For the rest of the year, check the international book fair calendar.
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