The Frankfurt Book Fair: 60 Years and Still a Shining Example

Abstract

The former Director of the Frankfurt Book Fair presents a concise history of what today is the largest international book fair including the key publishers, booksellers and authors who are part of the amazing global event. The interesting initial development and challenges of post World War II and related relocated German publishers are described. The initial efforts as a national book fair from 1949 to the present international event are traced. The turmoil and confrontation of political groups during the 1968 and subsequent years with actions taken was a difficult period for the fair but it survived to grow into a global event.