The 50th annual Arab Book Fair is being held in Beirut. Prime Minister Fouad Siniora delivered an opening address and renowned Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish put in an appearance and a special event was held to pay tribute to Mai Ghoussoub, the writer and artist who founded the publishing house Saqi Books and passed away unexpected this year.
Until April 22, the Arab Book Fair is proceeding with a packed schedule of events, discussions and debates that have the cumulative effect of pulling together some of the region's most daring and tireless literary voices for a sustained group gathering.
A true feat of continuity, Beirut's Arab Book Fair has taken place every year since 1956 - despite the chaotic, often violent episodes that have intermittently afflicted Lebanon. The birthplace of the book fair was the American University of Beirut's West Hall, before it required its recent round of renovations. In the mid 1950s, it was the first event of its kind in the Arab world.
According to a representative from the Arab Cultural Club, which organizes the fair, this year's event at BIEL presents the public with a wide range books from across the region. But the major difference is that due to Lebanon's relative openness and tolerance, the Arab Book Fair in Beirut is able to air publications that have been banned elsewhere in the Arab world.
"All you have to do is get the books signed by Internal Security," said the representative, who asked to remain anonymous. "Most are allowed. A book you find banned in Cairo, you'll find on our shelves here."
Although several critics have noted that the number of books being produced by Arab writers is currently at an all time low, the Arab Cultural Club representative argues that "Arab publications are increasing and improving."
Over the past 50 years, he said, books from the region have improved in terms of design and aesthetic appeal, along with the means of distribution and the methods of display in trade fairs and bookstores. To encourage such development, the Arab Book Fair awards a set of prizes for the best-looking books. |