16 April 2025 press release

How did Leipzig become the heart of the book trade? Why is the Börsenverein more than just an industrial organisation? And how are censorship, book price fixing and rest homes connected?

To mark the 200th anniversary of the Börsenverein des Deutschen Buchhandels (German Publishers' and Booksellers' Association), the German Museum of Books and Writing at the German National Library in Leipzig is hosting a special exhibition titled "Between Lines and Times", which will start on 24 April 2025. The formal opening will take place on World Book Day, 23 April at 18:00.

The exhibition shows a selection of original artefacts spanning two hundred years of eventful book and publishing history. Divided into eight sections, it tells the story of courageous publishers, clever ideas, political upheaval and practical solutions – from payment clearing at the first book fair and disputes about pirate printing to the co-foundation in 1912 of the Deutsche Bücherei, today's German National Library.

Established in Leipzig on 30 April 1825, the Börsenverein is now the oldest surviving book trade association in Europe – a living testimony to the history of democracy. After the turmoils of war, division and reunification, it now brings together around 4,000 members from all parts of the book history – from publishing companies and book dealers to antiquarian book shops and publisher's agents.

To accompany the exhibition, Wallstein Verlag is publishing a book which is as entertaining as it is informative: “Between Lines and Times. Booksellers and publishers 1825-2025“, edited by Christine Haug and Stephanie Jacobs. More than 200 illustrated essays give the story of the book trade a fresh and surprising twist. They cover Gestapo raids and reading rituals, price fixing and political protests, settlement lists, working conditions – and of course passion for the book.

The exhibition is part of the theme year of the city of Leipzig “More than a story. Book City Leipzig“.

More information about the exhibition and the anniversary can be found at: dnb.de/boersenverein200

“Between Lines and Times. 200 Years of the Börsenverein des Deutschen Buchhandels”,
Showcase exhibition at the German National Library’s German Museum of Books and Writing in Leipzig
24 April to 15 December 2025, opening on World Book Day– 23 April 2025, 18:00

Publication “Between Lines and Times. Booksellers and publishers 1825-2025”
Edited by Christine Haug and Stephanie Jacobs, Göttingen: Wallstein Verlag, 2025; 568 pages, numerous illustrations, softcover with flaps, 17 x 21,5 cm,
ISBN 978-3-8353-5847-8, Price: 28.00 Euro, available to purchase from booksellers or at the German Museum of Books and Writing

Background

The German National Library collects, documents and archives all written publications and sound recordings issued in Germany since 1913 together with works in German and about Germany published worldwide; it then makes them available to the public. It offers a comprehensive range of services at its sites in Leipzig and Frankfurt am Main along with digital services that can be accessed all over the world.

With the German Exile Archive 1933-1945 and the German Museum of Books and Writing, the German National Library also has valuable and rich special collections. It regularly organises readings, exhibitions, presentations and concerts to draw attention to its treasures and promotes a culture of books, reading and music with a diverse programme of events.

The German National Library welcomes donations to support its work. Whether for general purposes or specifically for the areas of education, collections, cultural programmes and research - donations help us preserve our national cultural heritage, educate our public in the fields of science and culture, and kindle their enthusiasm. Any support helps! www.dnb.de/EN/engagement

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Images for editorial use

Press image material is only available in German.