Archive for the ‘Cape Town Book Fair’ Category
by CTBF on Jun 7th, 2012
The visit from Australia of Elizabeth Manning Murphy, an editor and writer of repute and an international language trainer, is a coup for the Professional Editors’ Group (PEG) and coincides with the launch of the new-format Cape Town Book Fair (CTBF) and the 29th Biennial Congress of the International Publishers Association.
Manning Murphy will not only present a Master Class at the CTBF but will be launching the South African edition of her book Working Words, recently published by the Canberra Society of Editors (2011). Both of these events will be of particular interest to editors, would-be editors and language practitioners working in the medium of English – but are also open to the general public.
Elizabeth Manning Murphy’s interest in effective communication has been lifelong. Currently she is President of the Canberra Society of Editors and a member of the Society of Editors (Victoria) and in 2008 was awarded the Honorary Award of Distinguished Editor (DE) given by the Institute of Professional Editors Limited (IPEd) in Australia. Her passion evolved while working as a management consultant in England and Australia, when she wrote several books on the topic of office and business communication.
Working Words is a collection of ‘chats’ based on ten years of articles written by Manning Murphy for The Canberra Editor. The book is a companion to books on grammar, style, punctuation, plain English, editing and the business of being a freelance writer or editor. Many of the chats happened as a direct result of requests from working editors, would-be-editors, and people who didn’t learn the ‘whys’ and ‘wherefores’ of English grammar at school. It’s in a chatty style, with a few fun pieces, which are quirkily called ‘itchy pencils’. Have you ever wished you had a pencil handy when you saw something itching to be written down or corrected? That’s ‘itchypencilitis’!
Working Words is being printed locally and as a result will be available at a very favourable price during the author’s visit. Its launch will take place on Saturday, 16 June.
‘Master Editing: Adding Top Value’ is the Master Class which Manning Murphy will present on Friday 15 June from 10h00 to 14h00 at the CTICC.
She answers the question: How do you add value to your text editing? By being prepared, by going the extra mile, by using the tools available – all of this and more will be worked through in detail in Manning Murphy’s accessible style. Whether you’re new to text editing or a seasoned practitioner, this master class by an experienced editor and linguist acknowledged by her peers is sure to both inspire and be of great benefit to editorial output. The seminar is open to PEG members; members of LAMP (Alliance of Language and Media Practitioners) alliance partners; publishers and practitioners in the book, journal and magazine publishing chain; and also the general public. It is certainly a rare opportunity for editors in South Africa! Such is her popularity that the Johannesburg Master Class on 23 June is already oversubscribed.
Elizabeth Manning Murphy arrives in Cape Town, South Africa on 10 June.
Master Class: Friday 15 June
Venue: Rooms 1.61/1.62 at the CTBF at the CTICC from 10h00 to 14h00
Cost: PEG and other LAMP members: R475 Non-members: R695
Registration forms can be obtained from ellynbarry@telkomsa.net
Launch details: Visit www.capetownbookfair.com.
About the author
Based in Canberra, Elizabeth Manning Murphy is a trained linguist, a consultant in communication skills, an editor and a trainer in effective writing. She is the President of the Canberra Society of Editors and a member of the Society of Editors (Victoria). In 2008 she received the Honorary Award of Distinguished Editor (DE) given by the Institute of Professional Editors Limited (IPEd) in Australia. (Distinguished editors were nominated by their societies to prepare for and assess the first two Australian accreditation exams in 2008 and 2009. The term ‘distinguished’ indicated that their peers considered these editors to have exceeded the level of competence that is tested by the exam and were, therefore, qualified to assess exam candidates.)
Ms Manning Murphy is also a Fellow of the Commercial Education Society of Australia and the Society of Teachers in Business Education (UK); and an Associate Fellow of the Australian Institute of Management. Her interest in effective communication has been lifelong. In previous years, while working as a management consultant in England and Australia, she wrote several books on the topic of office and business communication. In 1991 she published Effective writing: plain English at work, a book that deals with a topic close to the heart of many editors in South Africa.
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by CTBF on Jun 6th, 2012
Zulu Pottery is the love affair of American author, Elizabeth Perrill with the spiritually-charged South African art-form of the same name. Over nine years she has documented contemporary Zulu ceramics from the deep rural areas where these traditions are kept alive, to the heart of Durban where innovative new potters are transforming the art.
Zulu pottery is tied to a deep artistic history and the history of Zulu identity in KwaZulu-Natal. For traditionalists who continue time-honored Zulu spiritual practices, pottery is integrally linked to ancestor worship. A clay pot remains a respectful vessel to present to one’s ancestors, which is why the art medium has been able to survive social and political transitions.
Women have historically been the potters in Zulu culture, but today men and even those who are not Zulu-speaking are producing Zulu-inspired ceramics. Increasingly, ceramic artists are using the medium for individual self-expression.
Zulu Pottery is an absorbing read accompanied by beautiful photographs. It takes the reader on a journey through the art-form – from the founding mothers, including the legendary Nesta Nala, whose legacies live on in national and international art museums; to the varying regions and contexts in which pots are prepared, constructed, decorated and fired – and the expansion of the art through young artists.
Zulu ceramics today are a distinct and integral part of the global ceramic art world. The form has been compared with the traditions of ceramics in the American Southwest, particularly Pueblo pottery and the legacy of Maria Martinez. Perrill has travelled internationally, speaking on Zulu ceramics in Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States, and South Africa; and she will be visiting the International Folk Art Festival in July 2012 to interview Thembi Nala, daughter of the late Nesta Nala.
In the foreword to Zulu Pottery, curator of the Vukani Zulu Cultural Museum, Vivienne Garside, comments that the author’s knowledge of Zulu pottery has won her a fan club, from the humblest of Zulu homes to museologists and other experts throughout KwaZulu-Natal.
Perrill studied isiZulu over five years to be able to understand the complexity and nuance of the language and culture, and has lived in KwaZulu-Natal for more than two years in total between 2004 and the present. Her proudest moment recently was visiting families she has known for years with her three-month old baby and new husband. “Sitting side-by-side on grass mats with potters, my daughter was passed around rooms of women and created a fresh dynamic and sense of trust with families I now consider to be close friends”.
Teachers, collectors and the general public will find the book an accessible and informative read.
Zulu Pottery will be launched in Cape Town on 14 June at the Castle of Good Hope “Fired” exhibition. Perrill will speak at the Cape Town Book Fair from 14h00-14h45 in Room 1:42 at the CTICC on 17 June.
About the author
Dr Elizabeth Perrill is a professor at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, USA. She has been documenting Zulu ceramics for over seven years, researched in KwaZulu-Natal as a Fullbright-Hays Fellow, and curated multiple exhibitions of contemporary Zulu pottery.
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by CTBF on Jun 5th, 2012
Vumile and the Dragon is a beautifully illustrated children’s book about Vumile, Katie and Joe who discover a Cape Dwarf Chameleon in Granny Ada’s magical garden.
Katie thinks it’s a baby dragon, Joe just wants to play soccer and Vumile is terrified of the Ulovane which brings bad luck. Slowly, Vumile overcomes his fear by hearing from his mom, Rosie Mbana and Granny Ada about the myths and beliefs different cultures have about chameleons. He sees the other children enjoying the little creature, and, left on his own one day, cautiously approaches the shrub where she lives. There he discovers a secret that he can’t wait to share with the others!
The story provides accurate information about the dwarf chameleon, rarely seen in our gardens today. A separate section towards the end of the book reveals other interesting facts about chameleons; and a pictorial guide to plants and creatures abundant in a Cape farmhouse garden. This is a gentle and delightful book about the need to conserve our country’s glorious biodiversity.
Vumile and the Dragon is author Claerwen Howie’s first book for children. It is a collaboration with accomplished botanical artist, Lisa Strachan and illustrator, cartoonist and water-colourist, Meg Jordi. It is perfect for readers and listeners young and old.
The author will read from Vumile and the Dragon at the Cape Town Book Fair “Children’s Zone” on Saturday 16 June between 10h00-10h45.
Vumile and the Dragon is published by Print Matters, a Cape Town-based publishing company specialising in South African Art, Craft and Heritage books.
About the author and illustrators
Claerwen Howie spent many years as a student and lecturer at Rhodes University, Grahamstown. She is concerned about the need to conserve our country’s glorious biodiversity. Vumile and the Dragon is Claerwen’s first book for children.
Lisa Strachan is an accomplished botanical illustrator who works closely with various botanists at Kirstenbosch Gardens on a freelance basis. Her work is represented in private and corporate collections worldwide. This is her first children’s book.
Meg Jordi is a freelance illustrator, cartoonist and water-colourist who studied at the College of Art in Johannesburg. She undertakes commissioned work for educational publishers, NGOs, environmental organisations, magazines and children’s books.
All three are South Africans and live and work in Cape Town.
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by CTBF on May 21st, 2012
The Cape Town Book Fair is back after a short hiatus and will take place this year from 15-17 June at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.
Headlining the fair is acclaimed Kenyan writer Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, who is set to release his new book, a follow-up to Dreams in a Time of War, later this year. Other notable participants include Cedric Nunn, Nicoli Natrass, Ufrieda Ho, Paul Nel, Ashwin Desai, Lauretta Ngcobo and Books LIVE member Arja Salafranca. Take a look at the programme below.
Programme: Cape Town Book Fair 2012
Book details
- Youth Violence: Sources and Solutions in South Africa edited by Cathy Ward, Andrew Dawes and Amelia van der Merwe
EAN: 9781919895871
Find this book with BOOK Finder!
- Cities with ‘Slums’: From informal settlement eradication to a right to the city in Africa by Marie Huchzermeyer
EAN: 978191989539
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Photo courtesy The Guardian
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by CTBF on May 18th, 2012
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by CTBF on Apr 17th, 2012
The Cape Town Book Fair has returned with a new format and is getting ready to fire up debate at the Cape Town International Convention Centre from 15 – 17 June.
The Fair has been revamped and promises something for everyone so it is to be expected that a program catering to young and old, covering all genres and interests has been lined up. Those with an interest in history and politics are, however, in for a special treat.
The South African landscape has been shaped by our unique and turbulent past. The fight against oppression has raised some great thinkers and role models, who have changed the course of our history. The African National Congress has been at the forefront of this change. 2012 marks the centenary celebrations of the ANC, and in honour of this, they are focusing each month of the year on one of their previous leaders. June is the month of Dr. Alfred Bitini Xuma.
A book titled AB Xuma Autobiography and Selected Works chronicles the life of Dr. Alfred Bitini Xuma and will be launched with a special introduction from the book’s editor Peter Limb.
Dr. Xuma came from a humble background in the Transkei. He traveled to America and worked his way through medical school and eventually made his way to Europe where he furthered his studies. Xuma returned to South Africa in 1927 where he set up his surgery in Sophiatown, and became involved with political activities. By 1940 he was elected to lead and rebuild the ANC.
Peter Limb is an Adjunct Associate Professor at Michigan State University. He is a prolific writer, having published numerous political and historical works. A better person couldn’t have been found to compile this book and give insight into Xuma’s life and the political climate at that time. He will be attending the Book Fair for the launch.
Other political books to be launched at the Fair include a Zulu and English version of Essence of Zuma by Nomkelemane Langa. As the name suggests it discusses the ANC and South African President Jacob Zuma.
Visitors can also look forward to discussion forums set up by academic publishers. Some of these forums have a political focus and boast experts like Professor Susan Booysen (political scientist from the Graduate School of Public and Development Management), Anthony Butler (Political Studies UCT), and author and investigative journalist, Glenda Daniels (Mail & Guardian).
If politics is not quite your cup of tea, don’t let that turn you away. There is a large assortment of activities, publishers and genres on tap at this year’s Book Fair. You can look forward to the poetry café and digital zone. For all the youngsters we have a comprehensive children’s section that should keep the kids entertained for hours.
So What’s the Big Fuss?
This year’s Cape Town Book Fair hosts hundreds of exhibitors and new books. There will be book signings, celebrity spotting, kids entertainment, special prizes and goodie bags. For more information call +27 11 549 8300 or email info@capetownbookfair.com.
Save! Save! Save!
You can save R10 on your ticket price by booking online through Computicket before 31 May. Discounts are available for students and pensioners and children under the age of 12 get in for free.
The morning of 15 June will be reserved for trade visitors only. Thereafter the Fair will be open to the general public as follows: Friday, 15 June: 14h00 – 22h00; Saturday, 16 June: 09h00 – 18h00, and Sunday, 17 June: 09h00 – 17h00.
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by CTBF on Apr 10th, 2012
The Cape Town Book Fair releases the first of its newsletters ahead of the 2012 fair:
Cape Town Book Fair 2012 Newsletter No 1
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by CTBF on Oct 22nd, 2010
Just in from the Cape Town Book Fair:
A long wait is over: We are happy to announce that the Cape Town Book Fair will go back to its old dates in June 2011. It will once again be held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre. While the programme is in the making, we are working on making the CTBF an even stronger African fair with more publishers from all over Africa. As the networking opportunities of the trade day were very well received, this element will be kept and further developed as well.
We much look forward to welcoming you in Cape Town in June 2011
Your Cape Town Book Fair Team
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by CTBF on Aug 12th, 2010
“Die boekebeurs wat in same werking met die Frankfurtse Boekebeurs aangebied word, moet lof toegeswaai word vir sy volgehoue, uitnemende aanbod.” Willem de Vries het vanjaar se Kaapstadse Boekebeurs bygewoon en bied hier sy opvatting van die vier-daagse beurs.
Die metaalribbe in die gewelf bo die woelige hoofsaal van die Kaapstadse Boekebeurs was vanjaar sigbaarder as voorheen. Minder advertensievlae het in die Kaapstadse Internasionale Konferensiesentrum gehang. En groot Suid-Afrikaanse rolspelers soos Exclusive Books en Random House Struik was afwesig. Die boekwinkelgroep Wordsworth het vir Penguin verteenwoordig.
Moeilike markomstandighede en die vulkaan vroeër vanjaar net mooi tydens die Londense Boekeskou met sy Suid-Afrika-fokus het aan begrotings gevreet. En tog was talle kleiner uitgewerye soos in vorige jare weer op hul pos. Die skynwerpers is vanjaar op die uitgewersbedryf in Afrika gerig en kundiges het handels- en ander gesprekke daaroor gevoer. Die jaarlikse bekendstellings en besprekings was weer reeds rede genoeg om die boekebeurs by te woon.
Dan Sleigh het vertel van Afstande, ’n verhaal wat afspeel in die tyd tussen die Ou en Nuwe Testament, in daardie enkele wit blad tussen die twee wat 450 jaar beslaan. En van ’n wit blad na die virtuele: e-boeke. Die toekoms van die boek in al sy moontlikhede is opnuut oor gewik en geweeg. Tussen die lofuitings vir die toekomsmark en marktaal deur is dit interessant om daarvan kennis te neem dat e-boeke die verkope van papierboeke stimuleer.
Foto te danke aan Kaapstadse Boekebeurs
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by CTBF on Aug 11th, 2010
We’re pleased to be able to bring you, at long last, the speeches that Nobel laureates Wole Soyinka and Desmond Tutu gave at the opening of this year’s CTBF. Soyinka told a humorous “Tale of Two Cities and Two Writers” – involving Johannesburg, Lagos, himself and Dennis Brutus – while Tutu sang the praises of those who bring books into the world. Following their speeches, please listen to the remarks of PASA’s Brian Wafawarowa, who introduced the speakers:
Wole Soyinka at the Opening of the Cape Town Book Fair
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Desmond Tutu at the Opening of the Cape Town Book Fair
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Brian Wafawarowa at the Opening of the Cape Town Book Fair
Meanwhile, Botswanan newspaper Mmegi has a write up on the two African giants’ attendance at this year’s Fair. Read on:
Professor Wole Soyinka and Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu are no ordinary souls, and between them, there are striking similarities, as are contrasts. They are contemporaries and both have more white hair than grey. Their fathers were schoolteachers. They are writers of great repute. They both at some point lectured as visiting professors overseas. Between them, they raised Africa to unprecedented pedestal by winning the most coveted literature prize – the Alfred Nobel. They are vocal against despotic regimes and use the pen to seek justice for the masses. Their contrasts start off with their physique: Soyinka is tall, Tutu is short. Soyinka is Nigerian, Tutu is South African. Soyinka is a teacher, Tutu is a preacher. Soyinka lived in exile for his vociferous stance against despotism; Tutu luckily never found himself either banished or having to go into self-imposed exile for the same activism.
Their paths have crossed many a times as they have appointed; they deeply respect each other – Soyinka refers to Tutu as ‘the individual institution.’ But what brought the two men together at this year’s fair was not their personal friendship or glory in the Nobel Prize; rather it was to launch their books. Soyinka launched his second memoir: You Must Set Forth at Dawn, a 578-page non-fiction narrative of his role to transform African despotic regimes into democracies, not just his own native country of Nigeria, chronicling why such a role led to his hunt, hence he went into exile for his safety. Soyinka, who has written 11 novels, 18 plays, six collections of poetry and two memoirs, is Africa’s celebrated writer, whose work of activism earned him the wrath of his once-a-time personal friend in Sani Abacha, who declared Soyinka a wanted man dead-or-alive. Neither his other personal friends in Ibrahim Babangida nor Olusegon Obasanjo could swallow the criticism of Soyinka, when they took over the reins of power as Nigeria’s presidents. Talk of power and how it corrupts absolutely! Friends turn foes at an instant.
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