Russia - honorary guest at Geneva int’l book and press fair

02.05.2007, 05.12

GENEVA, May 2 (Itar-Tass) -- Russia will be an honorary guest at the 21st International Fair for Books and Press, which will open here on Wednesday. Almost all leading publishing houses in the world and those from countries under development will present their products at the fair with an area totaling 30,000 square meters.

The Russian stand occupying 600 square meters will present more than 25 publishing houses, which will familiarize visitors with reprinted editions of the classical literature and the latest pieces of Russia’s fiction of all trends and journalism. The Russian exposition is also devoted to the works of great Russian writer Vladimir Nabokov, who spent the last years of his life in Switzerland.

During the fair, which will last until May 6, such famous Russian writers as Vasily Aksyonov, Alexander Kabakov, Edvard Radzinsky, Viktoria Tokareva and Tatiana Ustinova will take part in meetings with their readers and round table meetings on the problems and prospects of the development of Russian literature.

The fair organizers hope that the stands of African countries will also draw attention of visitors. Publishing houses and the press of African countries are presented at the Geneva fair already for the fourth time. This year a separate stand is devoted to Ethiopia, and visitors will be offered to participate in the discussion on Africa’s future.

The Japanese Manga Festival will be held during the fair on May 4-6. Japanese modern cartoons, which can be screened on mobile phones, will be presented during the festival.