Literature fair takes a leaf out of Expo's book
- Source: Global Times
- [08:56 August 11 2010]
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By Liu Dong
Based on the theme "Better Book, Better Life," the 7th Shanghai Book Fair that officially opens Wednesday at the Shanghai Exhibition Center will deliver more than 150,000 new books to readers in the city, while shining a light on the World Expo 2010 in Shanghai.
As a highlight of the event, the National Library of Spain's collection of ancient Chinese books will be presented to visitors at the Spain Pavilion inside the Expo Park on Sunday.
Set to run until next Tuesday, the book fair will also present readers with non Expo-related works including Shi Yongxin's anticipated Shaolin Zai Wo Xin Zhong (Shaolin Temple in My Heart). The principal abbot of Shaolin Temple will also be present at the fair to sign books Thursday.
Chinese novelist Liuliu will launch her new book Xin Shu (Designs) at the event, which explores the contentious issue of doctor-patient relationships in her signature poignant and humorous style.
Publishers and other industry players also see the event as a chance to bring attention to the copyright infringement issues that challenge development of the literature industry in China.
"Pirated book dealers used to copy the books that we displayed at book fairs using cameras, and would then produce rough and slipshod copies. They then sold these on the mainland market. That caused us a lot of losses," Chen Zhenru, deputy secretary-general of the Taiwan Press Association, told the Global Times Tuesday.
Organizers of this year's book fair held a forum Tuesday, gathering publishers from across the Straits to discuss how to more effectively combat illegal book dealers.
The growing domestic literature market is also proving a draw to overseas publishers. More than 30 overseas press giants, including Pearson Education, HarperCollins, MaGraw- Hill and Cengage Learning are expected to drop in to scout potential opportunities for the translation of Chinese books into foreign languages.
People will also be on the look-out for the next big Chinese-penned top-seller for overseas markets.
While few foreign works will be exhibited at the fair, the Chinese translation of last year's Une Rencontre by famous Czech writer Milan Kundera is projected to draw some attention. In the book, the writer takes a retrospective look back on his life.
Organizer Xin Yu Tuesday described this week as "a pageant for all people who love books and reading."
