2007 Cape Town Book Fair: (16-19 June 2007)
This year’s Cape Town Book Fair attracted record crowds to the Mother City marking it out clearly as the premier literary event on the African continent. The Fair boasted 473 events that showcased the best literary talents that the continent has to offer as well as some bestselling authors like Wilbur Smith and Marion Keyes.
Publishers and booksellers catered for a huge variety of tastes that included children’s literature, education and academic publishing, and lots of recreational literature. In keeping with this prestigious event, Cambridge University Press’ presence in 2007 was bigger, bolder and more vibrant with its “More than Black on White” theme
Interactive Whiteboard sessions attracted learners to our stand and gave their parents the opportunity to browse through our range of books. Staff member, Carina Taljaard, also presented several of our software packages to general audiences and school delegations. Interest in our stand was reflected by a steady stream of visitors and sales throughout the 4 days of the fair. Sales for our academic titles were good with lecturers and students both in the buying mood.
We also used this platform to promote our forthcoming publication, Whales and Dolphins of the Southern African Subregion (December 2007). Author, Peter Best, gave a stimulating visual presentation on whales and dolphins to an interested audience on the first day of the book fair and fielded questions afterwards.
In only its second year, the Cape Town Book Fair is clearly an established literary event destined for even greater achievements in the future. Its aim to broaden the readership base on the continent presents many challenges and opportunities for publishers and authors alike.
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