Former King of Spain Juan Carlos presents memoirs in Abu Dhabi
The 35th Abu Dhabi International Book Fair has opened in Abu Dhabi, UAE. One of the first events of the six-day programme was the presentation of the Arabic edition of Reconciliation, the memoirs of former King of Spain Juan Carlos I, The National reports.
During a brief speech, Juan Carlos said he decided to write the book because he believed that Spain’s transition to democracy had been explained in the press differently from how it had actually happened. He worked on the memoirs for two years together with French writer Laurence Debray.
A book about the emirate’s modern heritage
On the opening day, Archive of Tomorrow: Modern Heritage in Abu Dhabi was also presented. It is the first official publication by the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism dedicated to the emirate’s modern heritage.
The bilingual book contains texts, photographs and artworks about Abu Dhabi’s buildings, sites and urban landscapes. It is due to go on sale later this year.
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Books without covers
The fair also features a Blind Date with a Book stand, where fiction and non-fiction books are wrapped in brown paper and tied with string, without revealing the author, title or cover to buyers. The books cost from 35 to 65 dirhams, or approximately $9.5 to $15, and are intended for readers aged 15 and over.
Stand manager Hanna Leona explained that the format is intended to help visitors who may be overwhelmed by the large number of choices. Al Ummah Bookshop from Sharjah, which mainly operates online and delivers orders to customers, is also taking part in the fair. Its representative, Ibrahim Ismail, noted that book fairs make it possible to communicate with readers in person and better understand their preferences.
The fair is being held at the ADNEC centre until Friday. Admission to public events is free with online registration.
