The Taipei International Book Exhibition has curated ten stunning themed zones for its 2019 edition, which is slated to take place at Hall 1 and 3 of the Taipei World Trade Center from Feb. 12 through 17 under the theme "Time for Reading." Over 700 publishing representatives and 20 nations will be in attendance.
Germany, the guest of honor following its inaugural experience as theme nation two decades ago in 1998, has not only invited 13 influential German writers and journalists to greet Taiwanese exhibition-goers, but will be offering over 600 books from 37 publishing houses as well. The motif of "German Stories" will also be relayed through music, performances, and the unique aesthetics of design powerhouse Bauhaus.
In addition to literary voices, the rich cultural program from Germany will also delve into contemporary socio-economic subjects, such as artificial intelligence and technology and their impact on human society, as well as issues that are of particular relevance in Taiwan, including coming to terms with the past and the embracement of transitional justice.
The international zone will also include the pavilions of Books From Europe, featuring books from Austria, Czech Republic, and Estonia; Belgium; Croatia, Poland, and Switzerland; France; Italy, Greece, and Portugal; Turkey, Brazil, and Central America; Lengua Española, featuring books from Argentina, Chile, Mexico, Peru, and Spain; Canada, Israel, and New Zealand; Japan, South Korea, and Hong Kong; and Thailand.
To showcase the richness and diversity of Taiwan's contemporary publications, the Taipei book fair will also have two pavilions dedicated to the winning works of the Taipei International Book Exhibition Book Prizes, Golden Butterfly Awards for publishing design, Golden Comic Awards, Golden Tripod Awards, and the nation's highest literary honor ― Taiwan Literature Awards.
To pay tribute to the late martial arts novelist Jin Yong (Louis Cha), a teahouse-inspired pavilion will also be set up at the book fair to showcase his manuscripts and calligraphy as well as television series, games, food, and music inspired by his creations. The vast reinterpretations of characters and plots derived from his novels stand testament to the late writer's unparalleled storytelling legacy.
Technology, too, will come into play. From app-based books and augmented reality, to reading experiences enhanced by robotic AI and newly developed e-reading devices, a digital publishing pavilion will offer new opportunities for readers and publishers alike.
Taiwan's comic artists will also receive a spot under the international limelight through the "Roaming in Fantasy" exhibition curated by Taiwanese collective Creative Comic Collection. Visitors will not only get to browse through original Taiwanese comics and independent zines, but also experience temple fairs, historic sights and scenes, and Taiwan's infamous cascades of scooters and motorbikes through augmented and virtual reality.
Other highlights of the 2019 Taipei International Book Exhibition will include a special showcase of works by 35 Taiwanese illustrators featured by the Bologna Children's Book Fair Illustrators Exhibition over the past three decades, publishing training and forums for industry professionals co-organized with the Frankfurt Book Fair, and book signings and salon talks with authors from around the world.
Please note that free entry is offered to those who are below the age of 18 and present their national ID, and those who traveled from south of Taoyuan County and present their ticket stub from Taiwan High Speed Rail or Taiwan Railways Administration, given that the entry date is the same as the day of the journey.
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