The competition "The most Beautiful Swiss Books" was launched as far back as 1943, when a jury of five experts selected the 25 most beautiful or best executed books. It is now a long established annual event of almost international renown, certainly amongst graphic designers and typographers, and it is organised by the Swiss Federal Office of Culture.
 
In 2010, a jury selected 30 "Most Beautiful Swiss Books" of the year 2009. According to the brief, the jury selects the books on the basis of their quality in terms of design, typography and overall conception. Innovation and originality are important factors, while the use of the material and printing techniques is also considered. The catalogue that is published along with the competition was conceived and designed by Laurenz Brunner in close collaboration with Tan Wälchli. This year's catalogue is concerned with the present or contemporary book design and will be on sale during the exhibition. This years exhibition at Café Oto is the third of its kind and will continue the discussion whether a similar competition could be suggested for the British book production or not.

More details of the complete programme with talks and panel discussions will be announced on www.helveticcentre.ch