A Cultural Treasure

In this year an extraordinary literary series of events is taking its 19th presentation: the Berleburger Literaturpflaster. Extraordinary, because a small charming town, apart from big event-centers, dedicates itself to world literature.

Like in every year, the occasion for this event is the Frankfurt Book Fair. The respective issue is predetermined by the Guest of Honour of the Frankfurt Book Fair - in the year 2012 the literature of New Zealand.

The uniqueness of the Berleburger Literaturpflaster is due to the imaginative and innovative concept, in which the literary new publications from the other end of world are presented at this place. Best readings are next to cooking courses and wine tasting, academic lectures can be found abreast with theatre performances and movie screenings, attractive multivision-shows and portraits of authors take turns with culinary attractions, and even the physical action is not missed out: New Zealand’s national sport Rugby is provided, in connection with competent mediated comments. A cosmopolitan comprehension of literature is backing this exciting and inspiring form of presentation. The mystery story and fairy tales, nonfiction books and literature are imbedded in cultural contexts. Art of poetry and historical stories are connected as well as the facets of daily life. Relationships of traditions emerge, the diversity of environment obtains contours, a literary little-known continent in this country is given an identity.

To let a concept like this getting reality, demands an organizational expertise that is matured across the years. But it is more about the affection for it: The affection for literature as well as for the region, in which this series of events has an excellent response since nearly two decades. This affection for it connects the activities by the dedicated organization team round Rikarde Riedesel with the effort of all sponsors, who ensure the success of the Berleburger Literaturpflaster their way.

It is an honour and a pleasure for me to contribute henceforth as the successor of Prof. Dr. Max Halhuber and as the patron to the occurrence of this cultural treasure.

Prof. Dr. Ralf Schnell
Patron 
Berleburger Literaturpflaster