The world’s largest book fair, Frankfurter Buchmesse, once again opened its doors from October 15–19, 2025, in Frankfurt, Germany—welcoming dreamers, storytellers, and innovators from around the globe. Known as the beating heart of the publishing world, this grand event gathers more than 7,500 exhibitors from over 100 countries, along with an expected 280,000 attendees and 10,000 media professionals. It’s not just a fair—it’s a global celebration of literature, culture, and creativity.
This year’s fair promises to be extraordinary, with over 4,000 seminars and roundtable discussions spotlighting the future of books and storytelling. From bold new voices to legendary authors, the Frankfurt Book Fair 2025 continues to serve as the ultimate hub for discovering fresh perspectives and timeless tales.
This year’s Guest of Honour—Philippines—adds even more vibrance to the event, presenting its rich literary tradition and cultural heritage. With an array of thought-provoking works and captivating stories, the 2025 Frankfurter Buchmesse promises to be a celebration of imagination without borders.
https://www.messemasters.com/shows/frankfurt-book-fair/
As the fair celebrates another successful year of bringing together the brightest minds in publishing, Citi of Books proudly joins the festivities at the 77th Frankfurter Buchmesse, showcasing inspiring titles from its talented authors. Among the featured works in the Book Gallery is “The Babe Risko Story” by Bill Prusinowski — a book that draws you in with its mix of family narrative, sporting drama and historical context.
Bill Prusinowski grew up in Syracuse, New York, and holds degrees in exercise physiology and physical therapy. He is also a master instructor of Kenpo-Jutsu karate, reflecting a lifelong dedication to martial arts and movement. His interest in boxing history and his family ties to Babe Risko drove him to write this book, both as a tribute and as a cultural document.
“The Babe Risko Story” is a compelling memoir that chronicles the journey of boxer Babe Risko (born Henry Pelkowski) and his brother Vince, both sons of Polish immigrants navigating the professional boxing world during the 1930s. Written by their nephew and god-son Bill Prusinowski, the book explores how Babe rose to become Middleweight Champion of the World; how his brother managed aspects of his career and clashed with organized crime; and how the immigrant experience, the Great Depression, and the world of boxing intersected in central New York.
Set against the backdrop of economic hardship, prohibition, mass immigration and the looming shadow of global war, the narrative follows Babe and Vince Risko from humble origins to championship ring. The story takes place largely in Syracuse, New York—a city proud of its sports heritage yet largely forgetting one of its champions. The author draws on oral family histories and archival research to reconstruct the world of early-20th-century boxing, the influence of the mob (particularly boxing “Czar” Frankie Carbo), and the personal costs of fame, ambition and fight culture. The book doesn’t shy away from embellishment and speculation—Prusinowski acknowledges taking some liberties—but the result is a vivid portrait of an era, a sport, and the men behind the gloves.
It offers readers a multi-layered experience: the thrill of boxing matches and titles won; the grit of immigrant life and small-town ambition; the behind-the-scenes reality of boxing’s ties to organized crime; and the emotional stakes of identity, legacy and remembrance. Whether you’re a boxing fan, a local-history enthusiast or simply curious about under-told immigrant stories, this memoir pulses with authenticity, nostalgia and real-world stakes.
“The Babe Risko Story” is a fitting tribute to a man and an era that deserve remembrance. Bill Prusinowski has crafted a work that entertains, instructs and preserves memory. It is more than a sports biography—it is a portrait of a city, a culture, a family and a time. Wanting to understand what it meant to fight for a title, for recognition, for identity—this book offers those answers.
Purchase book through this link: https://a.co/d/aVepDiT