World Book Capital is an initiative of UNESCO in cooperation with the International Publishers Association (IPA), International Booksellers' Federation (IBF) and International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA).The UNESCO initiative exists since 2001. The city which is granted the title of World Book Capital is being asked to organize a diversity of events which will promote books, reading and combat illiteracy.

From 23 April 2008 to 22 April 2009, Amsterdam bears the prestigious title of World Book Capital.
Ever since the Golden Age of the Dutch Republic in the 17th century, Amsterdam has been a world book capital with a leading reputation in the Netherlands and beyond. Amsterdam has always been an open city where writers could develop their work, from Descartes to Thomas Mann and Salman Rushdie. Along with the open-mindedness of the book trade, this tradition has ensured the Dutch capital's thriving success as a literary hub, as a home to many industrious writers, printers, bookshops, publishers and antiquarian booksellers.

The manifestation starts on 23 April, with public lectures throughout Amsterdam. In Lloyd Hotel three women will read from their favourite novels.

'When I wrote The Alchemist, I was trying to understand the reason for the existece of life. Instead of writing a philosophical treatise, I decided to converse with the child inside my soul', says Paolo Coelho about the conception of the best selling Brazilian novel of all times, 'The Alchemist' from 1988. Dutch actress Tatum Dagelet will read from this book, her favourite novel. Also reading wil be Ellen ten Damme ( 'Koele Meren des Doods') and Marian Boyer will read from her werok, accompanied by drummer Alan Purves.

Dutch spoken.

more info: www.amsterdamwereldboekenstad.nl