Slovenian Literature will get a prominent place at the Leipzig book fair which will take place in the German city between 22 and 25 March. The fair that has its roots going all the way to the second half of 15th century will focus on Slovenia as part of presenting literature from Central and Eastern European countries.
Slovenia will be represented by a slogan that could be translated as "Hospitable Loquaciousness". According to Urska Perne, who heads the Slovenian delegation along with Ales Steger, the slogan wishes to convey that Slovenian literature is alive and kicking despite of tis "smallness", while also expressing the concept of Slovenia's diverse and dynamic presence at the fair.
Along with an eclectic mixture of readings, music and exhibitions, the Slovenian stand will offer a host of gastronomic delights, some of Slovenia's best wines, as well as host a number of foreign guests.
Slovenian authors at the event will include writers Florjan Lipus, Boris Pahor, Drago Jancar, Brina Svit, Mojca Kumerdej and poets Tomaz Salamun and Ales Steger.
Slovenian philosophers will meanwhile be represented by Mladen Dolar and, arguably Slovenia's best known writer, Slavoj Zizek. Zizek, however, does not want to be a part of the official Slovenian delegation, because he wants to maintain his "political and ethical integrity".
The country's young photographers will also get a chance to present their best shots with Tanja Verlak, Jasna Klancisar, Barbara Ogric and Spela Kasal being chosen by Breda Kolar Sluga, the curator of the Maribor art gallery.
Slovenia's stand is financed by the Culture Ministry.
Exhibition Director Oliver Zille told the press in January that last year saw 2,162 exhibitors from over 30 countries. Leipzig is the venue for some 30,000 new German titles every year, while other European literatures also play an important part.
The event stresses literature, humanities, comics, audio books and monographs.
The organisers also believe that writers are the books best advertisers. This year's event is expected to be attended by Guenter Grass, Martin Walser, Hans Magnus Enzensberger, Thomas Brussig, Julian Barnes, and others.
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