ABU DHABI // The magic of Qasr Al Hosn was recreated yesterday at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair.
Frank Klotgen wowed audiences by creating a replica of the 250-year-old fort out of nearly 350 hardback books in less than 90 minutes.
The Berlin artist and poet was slightly disappointed he could not execute the task in the planned hour, stating the fort's architectural design was a challenge.
"It did take longer than I wanted, but there was a lot to do," he said.
"I made a copy of the building back in my home in Berlin and I am glad that it turned out nice here. It is something that I can share here with the people of Abu Dhabi."
Abu Dhabi resident Mahmoud Mohammed was among the audience witnessing the construction.
"I never expected it would turn out like this," the Palestinian said.
"It is an idea. A new way at looking at books."
Earlier in the day a pair of self-published Abu Dhabi authors, Seamus Gallacher and Jody Ballard, focused their presentation on a book's content.
Gallacher, author of the espionage thriller, The Violin Man's Legacy, said a self-published author is similar to a businessman.
"You have to plan," he said.
"You also need to have belief in that what you are doing is good. Then you just knuckle down and get on with it."
Ballard, author of the historical novel, The Smell of Mud, focused her discussion on how digital publishing formats, such as the Kindle, affected the self-publishing industry.
"I think the stigma of vanity publishing surrounding it is not there any more," she said.
"What Kindle can do is build a wave of publicity about your work before, hopefully, the publishing houses come along."
None of it mattered, Gallacher argued, if the author was not prepared to put in the hard, and sometimes tedious, work.
"I edited my book twice and the second time took two months going line by line," he said.
"So when the book came out, I really didn't care how much it sold; I knew and believed the book was decent."
The event will run until Monday next week at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.
sasaeed@thenational.ae
If you go
Where to stay: Courtyard by Marriott Titusville Kennedy Space Centre has unparalleled views of the Indian River. Alligators can be spotted from hotel room balconies, as can several rocket launch sites. The hotel also boasts cool space-themed decor.
When to go: Florida is best experienced during the winter months, from November to May, before the humidity kicks in.
How to get there: Emirates currently flies from Dubai to Orlando five times a week.
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: HyperSpace
Started: 2020
Founders: Alexander Heller, Rama Allen and Desi Gonzalez
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Entertainment
Number of staff: 210
Investment raised: $75 million from investors including Galaxy Interactive, Riyadh Season, Sega Ventures and Apis Venture Partners
Disclaimer
Director: Alfonso Cuaron
Stars: Cate Blanchett, Kevin Kline, Lesley Manville
Rating: 4/5
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The specs
Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
Power: 620hp from 5,750-7,500rpm
Torque: 760Nm from 3,000-5,750rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed dual-clutch auto
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh1.05 million ($286,000)
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