A Meeting of the Imagination in Epinal, France

Fantasy and Historical Fiction are the top billings

From May 14th-17th 2009, more than 100 authors, not only from France, but also the United States, Canada, Great Britain, Germany, Italy, and Poland will participate in the 8th edition of Les Imaginales, the festival of imaginary worlds organized by the city of Epinal, France.

During these 4 days, the entire universe of the imagination (fantasy, historical fiction, science fiction, is welcomed to Epinal, the "cite des images", which is a warm and lively area that blends tradition of images and innovation.

Organized for the eighth consecutive year, Les Imaginales is known as one of the few book fairs dedicated to literature in the English Speaking world and also popular French works. Les Imaginales welcomes both new and well-known authors who come to meet many readers captivated by imaginary works.
4 Days, 100 Authors, 40 Live Readings and Round Tables

Since 2002, Les Imaginales has promoted the discovery of new genres in the imaginary field. The Festival invites authors from all different backgrounds, including big names in the fantasy genre alongside regional authors. Those appearing in this year's 2009 edition include: Anne Robillard, Hal Duncan, David Anthony Durham, Pierre Bordage, Anne-Marie Garat, Georges-Olivier Châteaureynaud, Andreas Eschbach, Céline Minard, Andrzej Sapkowski, and Barry Cunningham, publisher of 'Harry Potter.

Les Imaginales, by the active participation from authors, translators, illustrators, publishers, booksellers, distributors, and prescribers, has become the major gathering place for all professionals of the literary process.

The event has grown to such a size that the city has now invested in several buildings, parks, and community centres in downtown Epinal to accommodate the booksellers, authors, publishers, illustrators and, of course, all the fans. For 4 days, Epinal hosts the largest book sale of imaginative literature in France.

Several parks and clubs in Epinal welcome literary cafes, conferences and roundtables. At Les Imaginales, the public can passionately discuss their interest in imaginative literature with the authors themselves. Illustrations, storytelling, comic books, art, games ... all are encompassed in Les Imaginales in order to reach new readers.

Five prizes are awarded, two of which decided by students.

Les Imaginales offers a glimpse into the enchanting worlds of imaginative authors in order to share their passion for literature with others. Our education system understands that this event is a great opportunity to broaden students' interests in reading and to get them more involved with the literary world. Les Imaginales High School Award, and new this year, Les Imaginales Middle School Award, allow young people to read, discuss, and debate their favourite literature of the imagination.

Other awards are: Award Imaginales (which was won last year by Thomas Day for his book The Throne of Ebony and also by Scott Lynch for The Red Blood Horizons). Other Awards include: the Prize for Another Earth and the Claude-Seignolle Award.

All events are free open to the public (except film showings). SITE: <www.imaginales.com>