In order to raise international awareness of Swiss literature, Pro Helvetia has launched a magazine named 12 Swiss Books. It is published annually to coincide with the Frankfurt Book Fair and, with each issue, presents twelve newly published works of literature from all four linguistic regions in Switzerland. These works are especially recommended for translation by the Swiss Arts Council. Available in printed and web form, 12 Swiss Books offers text excerpts, brief portraits of the authors and useful information on the possibilities of support for publishers, translators and agencies.
The latest edition, launched today, has a French focus. The French language is guest of honour at this year’s Frankfurt Book Fair, and Switzerland is likewise invited to exhibit and participate. A delegation of 12 Swiss-French authors is travel – ling to the city on the river Main to promote the literature from Romandie, the French-speaking part of Switzerland. Events such as «30 minutes chez les Welsches» (30 minutes in la Romandie), a Gutenberg printing press that will print texts by francophone authors, and a Belgian-Swiss poetry slam evening will celebrate the diversity of the French language. Vive la langue française!
You can download the latest issue of 12 Swiss Books here.