2nd – 11th December, 1996.
Forum, Capitolium and Diana galleries
The book cult on the ancient square – this is how the organisers somewhat complacently and bombastically announced the 2nd BOOK FAIR IN ISTRIA. Along with the publishers who participated in the first Fair, there happend to be about twenty new ones present. Programme – wise, the second edition of the Fair demonstrated the organisers wish for this event to be not only a sales exhibition but also a place for presenting books and a meeting place for people of books. The first presentation of the Fair took place on the 3rd November 1996 at 11 a. m., in the open air in front of Augustus temple. A public presentation of the Croatian General Lexicon with guest speakers Tomislav Ladan and August Kovačec, started a series of some 50 presentations during six years of its existence.
It was also the occasion for the first exhibition to occur: presenting the graphics by Marina Banić from the book of poems As if you said yes, as well as two alternative presentationes in a small caffé behind Augustus's temple: Gigi the Anarchist – Life, Image and Work of Drago Orlić and Two Ladies – One Book – Two Promotions: presenting the book of poems La Pecia by Loredana Bogliun and a guest publisher Hefti Edizioni from Milano. The Fair was accompanied by a catalogue with a list of all the publications presented at the Fair. At the time when many of the publishers did not have accurate lists of their own publications, a catalogue was a novelty and a real undertaking. During 10 days, the Fair was visited by more then 30 000 book fans. The organisers tried to use that magic number for a long time in order to get some financial support from the would-be sponsors (unfortunately too often indifferent to the case).
