European literature Night
Supported and initiated by EUNIC London and the European Commission Representation in the UK and facilitated by the Czech Centre London, European Literature Night has presented some of the brightest literary talent from Europe to audiences and readers across the UK since its inaugural event at the British Library in 2009. It is the main programme of EUNIC London promoting contemporary European literature and languages in the UK, aimed both at a wider readership as well as professionals: translators, publishers, distributors and academic institutions.
ELN is an annual literary showcase bringing the best of the continent’s writers and contemporary European literature to the UK. It is a unique British-based initiative involving 28 European Cultural Institutes and Embassies, many arts organisations and the European Commission Representation in the UK which promotes European literature of all genres in English translation. European Literature Night is supported by EUNIC partners, facilitated by the Czech Centre London and produced by Speaking Volumes. The Czech Centre office is the project leader for ELN within EUNIC London. ELN is chaired by BBC journalist Rosie Goldsmith, a highly-respected champion of European literature.
The flagship event is held in May each year at the British Library. ELN in London is part of a number of simultaneous events across European capitals and major cities, from Paris to Stockholm, in celebration of European literature. It is an unprecedented opportunity for authors to take part in a unique series of events to introduce the UK to some of the most intriguing voices from modern Europe.
ELN brings contemporary European writers to UK stages (literature festivals, libraries and other venues) where they meet and engage with audiences and professionals by reading and presenting their work, exchange about their writing, inspiration, language and culture but also about literature and Europe. In most cases, the writers are new to the UK scene and they promote their forthcoming books which in many cases are soon to be published in the UK. Many publishers and booksellers attend these events and are encouraged to engage with ELN. The ELN series is supported by a fast growing a network of literature UK- based professionals who share an interest in promoting and translating contemporary European literature.
ELN is implemented in partnership with EUNIC London member institutes, the EC Representation in the UK, the British Library and a series of booksellers, publishing houses, literary media, websites, libraries and universities.
Read more about the past editions on our Events page.
ELN is an annual literary showcase bringing the best of the continent’s writers and contemporary European literature to the UK. It is a unique British-based initiative involving 28 European Cultural Institutes and Embassies, many arts organisations and the European Commission Representation in the UK which promotes European literature of all genres in English translation. European Literature Night is supported by EUNIC partners, facilitated by the Czech Centre London and produced by Speaking Volumes. The Czech Centre office is the project leader for ELN within EUNIC London. ELN is chaired by BBC journalist Rosie Goldsmith, a highly-respected champion of European literature.
The flagship event is held in May each year at the British Library. ELN in London is part of a number of simultaneous events across European capitals and major cities, from Paris to Stockholm, in celebration of European literature. It is an unprecedented opportunity for authors to take part in a unique series of events to introduce the UK to some of the most intriguing voices from modern Europe.
ELN brings contemporary European writers to UK stages (literature festivals, libraries and other venues) where they meet and engage with audiences and professionals by reading and presenting their work, exchange about their writing, inspiration, language and culture but also about literature and Europe. In most cases, the writers are new to the UK scene and they promote their forthcoming books which in many cases are soon to be published in the UK. Many publishers and booksellers attend these events and are encouraged to engage with ELN. The ELN series is supported by a fast growing a network of literature UK- based professionals who share an interest in promoting and translating contemporary European literature.
ELN is implemented in partnership with EUNIC London member institutes, the EC Representation in the UK, the British Library and a series of booksellers, publishing houses, literary media, websites, libraries and universities.
Read more about the past editions on our Events page.