Critique of Large Book Fairs: A Call for Smaller, More Frequent Events
Fabio Severino critiques large annual book fairs like 'Più liberi più libri' held at the Nuvola di Fuksas in Rome, arguing that they should be smaller, more thematic, and more frequent to better connect supply and demand. He notes the fair's success in attracting a large audience, including casual readers, but criticizes the lack of innovative communication about books. Severino suggests that after visiting twenty stands, attention wanes, and compares this to the overwhelming experience of large museums like the Louvre, Vatican Museums, and British Museum. He proposes a fair every two months focused on specific themes or genres to foster deeper engagement with books.
Key facts
- Fabio Severino visited 'Più liberi più libri' in Rome last December.
- The fair was held at the Nuvola di Fuksas, a new congress center.
- The fair saw a boom in visitors and an enthusiastic audience.
- One of the most lively stands was from the Biblioteche di Roma, with a large children's area.
- Severino found the content weak despite good venue and atmosphere.
- Many publishers sold books at discounted prices.
- Severino argues fairs should be smaller, selected in content and language, thematic, and more frequent.
- He compares the fair experience to large museums like the Louvre, Vatican Museums, and British Museum, which require multiple visits.
Entities
Artists
- Fabio Severino
Institutions
- Artribune
- Biblioteche di Roma
- Nuvola di Fuksas
- Louvre
- Vatican Museums
- British Museum
- La Sapienza di Roma
Locations
- Rome
- Italy