European Literature Night IV
"ELN is the perfect introduction to the best in new European literature.”
On Wednesday 16 May the British Library was honoured to host the London event for European Literature Night (ELN) for a fourth consecutive year, with parallel events taking place in cities across the continent.
This year saw the biggest line-up to date, including prize-winning novelists, short story writers and poets from Austria, Denmark, Germany, Hungary, Montenegro, Poland, Romania and Sweden. Each writer discussed their work with BBC journalist and presenter Rosie Goldsmith, who chaired the event, before short readings in English translation.
Janet Zmroczek, British Library Head of European Studies, who took part in the selection panel said “ELN IV was a great celebration of Europe’s vibrant and diverse literary culture, which is still very under-exposed to English-language audiences. Whether your interest is in literary fiction, horror, contemporary poetry, crime fiction or just good writing in any genre, ELN is the perfect introduction to the best in new European literature”.
European Literature Night was presented in partnership with EUNIC (European Union National Institutes for Culture) London, the European Commission Representation in the UK and Speaking Volumes Live Literature Productions.
I have had a lifelong love of books and feel that the British Library is an inspiring place and well worthy of support, particularly at a time when funding for the arts in general appears to be under threat.
Andrew Pearson, Adopt a Book Supporter
I cannot remember a time when books were not central to my life. The BL is guardian of a priceless common heritage which can enrich the lives of future generations, as it has done for us. Cherish the verbal record in good times and bad!
Michael Coates-Smith