Publishers compete to offer their best during the highlight of the cultural season; this year's book fair releases focus on political and social themes, in comparison with the historical focus on novels and self-help books The 44th Cairo International Book Fair (CIBF) will be held from 23 January to 5 February at the Nasr City fairground, with the expected participation of 25 countries, including 17 Arab countries. Libya is this year's guest of honour. Ahram Online previews some of thenew releases that will be featured at the fair, one of the largest book festivals in the Middle East/North Africa. Al-Dawla Al-Bolyseya fi Masr (The Police State in Egypt)by Amir Salem, Cairo: Al-Ain Publishing, 2012. 440pp. Abstract: This work tracks and analyses the worst form of police state, that which is led by a fascist military regime or religious fascism, constantly battling an imaginary enemy outside the state, or otherwise suppressing critical thinking under the guise of religion. ## Ahmed Abdel-Ghaffar wa Dawruh fil Seyasa 1919-1953 (Ahmed Abdel-Ghaffar and His Role in Politics 1919-1953)by Aicha Abdel-Ghaffar, Cairo: Al-Ain Publishing, 2012. 506pp. Abstract: The granddaughter of one of the founders of the Free Constitutionalist Party in Egypt, Ahmed Abdel-Ghaffar, relates a critical period in Egypt's history, from the perspective of a key political figure. ## Al-Nukhba wal Thawra (The Elite and the Revolution)by Nabil Abdel-Fattah, Cairo: Al-Ain Publishing, 2012. 454pp. Abstract: The book explores the political imbalances within the Egyptian elite in the fight for the state and its identity. ## Kayf Nakraa Al-Aalam Al-Araby Al-Youm (How to Read the Arab World Today)translated by Sherif Younis, Cairo: Al-Ain Publishing, 2012. 351pp. Abstract: A collection of essays that offer a reading of the non-Western world in general and the Arab world in particular from an anthropological angle, exploring how politics, history and Islam are viewed through particular perspectives and criticising this 'capitalist' approach. ## Al-Usul Al-Seyaseya lil-Tanmeya (Political Foundations of Development)by Amr Ismail Adly, Cairo: Sefsafa Publishing, 2013. Abstract: Subtitled 'The political economy of institutional reform in Egypt and Turkey', Ismail's book dissects the conditions in Egypt during the Mubarak era, posing the important question of why Egypt failed where Turkey succeeded. ## Al-Askandari fi-Ghayma (Alexandria in a Cloud) by Ibrahim Abdel-Meguid, Cairo: Dar Al-Shorouk, 2013. Abstract: The third and final book in renowned author Ibrahim Abdel-Meguid's trilogy is expected at the book fair. The book is set in Alexandria during the 1970s, exploring the transition between the former cosmopolitan Alexandria, which displays a tolerance for diversity and opposition, and the new city which hosts fundamentalist religious trends that cooperate with a corrupt regime. ## Fiqah Al-Omran (Architecture and Society in Islamic Civilisation) by Khaled Azab, Cairo: Al-Dar Almsriah Al-Lubnaniah, 2012. Abstract: Includes a study of the relationship between Islamic architecture, society and political power. The author describes in eight chapters the political frameworks guiding rulers who setting architectural rules, and how politics affects building and structures. ## Abwabak Shatta (Your Doors are Diverse)by Farouk Shousha, Cairo: Al Dar Almsriah Al-Lubnaniah, 2012. (Poetry) Abstract: The latest poetry collection by famous Egyptian poet Farouk Shousha. ## Encyclopedia of the Fine Arts in Egypt during the 20thCenturyby Sobhy El-Sharouny, Cairo: Al Dar Almsriah Al-Lubnaniah, 2012. (Art) Abstract: El-Sharouny documents the legacy of the Egyptian fine arts during the 20th century in this encyclopedia. The first volume, which consists of 140 pages, includes large coloured illustrations of the works of the first and second generations of 20th century Egyptian artists. ## Hawliat Masr Al-Syasia (Egypt's Political History Periodicals)by Ahmed Chafik Pasha, Cairo: GEBO - 4 Volumes. 2012. Abstract: This rare and valuable historical collection of articles by Ahmed Chafik Pasha deals with Egypt's political history during the era of Mohamed Ali's sons. The articles trace a change in the recording of history, from storytelling to more modern approaches of documentation. ## Thawarat Almasriyeen Fil Asr Al-Fatimi (Revolutions of the Egyptians During the Fatimid Era)by Mahmoud Khalaf, Cairo: GEBO. 2012. 272pp. Abstract: Khalaf tackles an era of Egyptian history which saw some of the most important Egyptian revolutions, documenting the various forms of opposition and rejection of the Fatimid regime, whether poetry and jokes or through violent military action. ## Ashir, Assufiya Walthawra (Poetry, Sufism and the Revolution)by Helmi Salem, Cairo: GEBO. 2012.195pp. Abstract: Poet Salem passed away a short time before the publication of his latest book, which includes essays and articles related to poetry, which he describes as a "dynamic" art. ## Alhaya Aligtimaiia fi Ketab Al-Aghani (Social life in the Songbook of Asfahani)by Sherine Adawy, Cairo: GEBO. 2012. 566pp. Abstract: Rich in material that covers the era from before Islam until the Abbasids, the book deals with a diversity of topics related to the social and political conditions of the time. ## http://english.ahram.org.eg/News/63022.aspx
