HÀ NỘI — The 5th Hà Nội Old Book Festival began at Thăng Long Imperial City today (November 25). The three-day festival offers booklovers a great opportunity to browse through and buy valuable books.

Readers also have access to thousands of old books on Hà Nội history, Vietnamese culture, geography, education and economics, besides local literature and foreign books.

Valuable books introduced include Một Lần Tới Thủ Đô (In a visit to the capital), Hà Nội Nửa Đầu Thế Kỷ 20 (Hà Nội in the first half of 20th century), Người Và Cảnh Hà Nội” (Hà Nội’s people and landscape), Hà Nội Băm Sáu Phố Phường (Hà Nội:36 streets and guilds). 

There are old books featuring the 1946 resistance war when the capital saw 60 days and nights of fighting and there will be an exhibition on the resistance against French colonialists. It will showcase around 200 documents, photos and objects, based on three themes - Việt Nam deserves to enjoy freedom and independence, Hà Nội - 60 days and nights of fire and sword, and Capital liberation October 10, 1945.

On Saturday, at 9.30am, people can attend a talk on conservation work involving Hà Nội’s cultural heritage. It will give the audience a chance to explore culture, art and architectural heritage with artist Nguyễn Thế Sơn, who has studied the capital’s architecture during different periods of history. 

The events are being held to celebrate the 70th anniversary of National Resistance Day (December 19) and are organised by the Thăng Long-Hà Nội Heritage Conservation Centre, the Hà Nội department of culture, sports and tourism and the Hà Nội museum. — VNS