The apparently frivolous business of the People's Republic of Hay-on-Wye and self-appointed "King of Hay" Richard Booth's impending defenestration (Eyes passim) has a serious point.
The "dethroning" - confirmed at a meeting last week - is an attempt to ensure an effective succession, and is very much in Booth's own humorous spirit, with an announcement about the appointment of state executioner promising "an attractive package, including travelling expenses and luncheon vouchers".
Thankfully, festival director Peter Florence is sympathetic, keen to ensure the happy co-existence of festival and town and happy to discuss various options with the booksellers.
However, the booksellers also have to combat a dangerous attitude in the local tourist quangos. At a recent meeting of the great, the good and the bloody awful, the suggestion that "the 'Town of Books' image is strong but may be damaging tourism prospects" was accepted without a murmur, with the phrase "dusty old books" even making an appearance.
The tourist officials seem not to realise that this is Hay's unique selling point. Without "dusty old books" and smelly old authors, would anyone be coming to Hay at all?
(Bookworm: Books & Bookmen)
Thursday, 19 March 2009
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