Amsterdam International Literary Festival

Amsterdam has a rich history as a literary haven - a tradition which continues today as the city is crowned World Book Capital 2008. Tomorrow sees the world's largest book market with over 1,000 stalls which will line 5km of the city's streets. Its a shame we are leaving for manchester today but we found time to visit the exhibition BOEK ZOEKT LEZER (Book seeks reader) at Universiteits Bibliotheek Amsterdam. The exhibition illustrates how Dutch readers have been encouraged to buy books throughout the last five centuries. The exhibition also sheds light on the tradition of author portraits, with objects on display ranging from copper engravings on hand-made paper to glossy photographs. The exhibition is part of the Amsterdam World Book Capital events and National Book Week 2008.