Three centuries since the birth of Zacharias Orfelin; Book Fair Awards

This year, at the Novi Sad Book Fair, from 17 to 23 March, one of the main topics will be the jubilee 300th anniversary of the birth of Zacharije Orfelin.

Zaharije Stefanović Orfelin was born three centuries ago, in 1726 in Vukovar. He died in New York City on this day (January 19, 1785). He is one of the most important Serbian educators, writer, poet, translator, copperplate engraver, calligrapher... He is the author of the first Slovenian spelling book, the first textbook of the Latin language, the first manual on winemaking and winemaking technology, the initiator of the magazine... He was also engaged in science (pedagogy, economics, medicine...), about which he wrote in a popular and understandable way.

He was a lover of books, and as can often be read, graphically speaking, he is the author of the most beautiful books in the history of Serbian literature. This is one of the reasons why the "Zaharije Orfelin" Award is awarded for the most beautiful book at the Novi Sad Book Fair. For this recognition, it is necessary to apply by e-mail at tatjana.stojilovic@sajam.net. The judging is planned for the first days of the Book Fair, and one of the conditions for receiving the prize is that the submitted book is exhibited at the stand during the event.

During the Book Fair, the traditional "Laza Kostić" Award, the Award for the best book in the field of children's literature, as well as the Award for Publishing Endeavor of the Year will be presented. The jury also has the opportunity to propose a special prize.

Applications for the competitions are free of charge, and until February 2 (extended deadline for submission), publishers – participants of the Book Fair, with editions by local authors published in the period between the two fairs, can apply.

Books should be delivered to the address of the Novi Sad Fair AD, Department for Commercial Affairs, for Tatjana Vukelić-Stojilović, Hajduk Veljkova 11, 21000 Novi Sad, with a clear indication of which Award is being applied for.

In parallel with the Book Fair, the Art Expo will be organized, while the International Education Fair "Putokazi" and the third Gaming Fair GAME & TECH WEEK (by AXE) will be held from March 19 to 21.