Retrospect of our experiences during the Frankfurt Book Fair 2023
Another unforgettable Frankfurt Book Fair (18 – 22 October 2023) is coming to an end. Together with Faksimile Verlag and Eikon Editores, we created an impressive stand that reflected our fascination for books and art. We not only had the opportunity to present our latest publications, but also to share our passion for the medieval times with a wide audience.
Wide range of products in the non-book section
Besides of our facsimile editions, there was also a separate Medieval Art Stories stand in the non-book section. Here, visitors could immerse themselves in a world of medieval art. Our exclusive merchandising products, including silk and modal scarves, necklaces, textile bags with medieval motifs, magnetic pencils, spectacle microfibre cloths and memory games, were very well received and impressed visitors with their uniqueness and quality. This shows once again that – thanks to our years of experience and our excellent relationships with renowned museums and libraries worldwide – unique manuscripts and art objects are accessible to us.
About plants and animals
At the book fair this year, we were able to provide a unique insight into the medical knowledge of the past. The original of our new publication, a medieval house book, is kept in the British Library, one of the most important and largest manuscript collections in the world. About Plants and Animals is a medical compendium from the late 12th century, written in northern France or England. Plants, animals and medical treatment methods are depicted in over 240 elaborately executed illustrations.
Allegories of Life
In addition, we showed our guests the right way to a virtuous life. We achieved this with our facsimile edition Allegories of Life – the Tabula Cebetis. This precious gem from the Arundel Collection is also kept in the British Library and bears witness to how humanist scholarship and the spirit of the Renaissance spread from Italy throughout Europe. There is also another highlight, as you can bring Folio 2v (In the Temple of Saturn) to life! Have we aroused your curiosity? Find more information on Living Manuscripts.
A modern copyist of medieval gospels
The fascinating Gospels by Irakli Parjiani, a Georgian artist who copied the Gospels of John and Mark in their entirety and illustrated them with magnificent miniatures, also aroused great interest. Parjiani is the equivalent of a copyist of medieval gospels in modern times. More details about this great project are available on Irakli Parjiani’s website, and at Smart Innovations.
Our publishing house in the spotlight
Our stand is a place of encounter and discovery, and so we were once again delighted to receive a visit from Andrej Pfeiffer-Perkuhn. This time he not only discovered the Tabula Cebetis for his YouTube channel ”Geschichtsfenster“, but also felt like a real king leafing through the Coronation Gospels. Click here for the video.
Medieval music
If you have always wanted to play in a music band, we offered the stage for it. A special highlight of our stand was the photocall, which invited visitors to become part of a medieval band. We spared no expenses and had all band members flown in from New York, where the original manuscript is kept in The Morgan Library & Museum under the shelfmark MS M.638.
Together among friends
Our annual aperitif was another event to remember. This relaxed gathering provided an opportunity to catch up with our publishing colleagues, partners and friends. The room was filled with lively conversations and the sound of glasses toasting our successful trade fair experience.
The Frankfurt Book Fair 2023 was not only an opportunity for us to present our works, but also a journey into the world of creativity, friendship and inspiration. We would like to thank everyone who was part of this special experience. We are already looking forward to the next book fair and to discovering new universes as well as sharing our passion for medieval books and art with you again.