As storage of time and knowledge, the book is a complex and symbolically charged system with outstanding social and cultural significance. Although - or precisely because - it is being increasingly marginalized by the advance of the digital age, the book is increasingly moving back into the collective consciousness in all its scope.

The special fascination of the book is also transferred to the places at whose center it stands. For centuries, libraries were considered magical places, cathedrals of knowledge that not infrequently exuded a sacred solemnity. This contrasts with aggressive actions such as the banning and burning of books, and even the persecution and murder of authors who were critical of society or politically active.

The book is therefore still the subject, medium and material for many artists today. The catalog brings together paintings, drawings, photographs, films, book objects, artists' books, and installations dedicated to the magic and charisma of the book.

With works by:

Boris Becker, Jonathan Callan, Katharina Fritsch, Andreas Gursky, Candida Höfer, Kris Martin, Dieter Roth, Timm Ulrichs, Cornelius Völker and others.