CHENNAI: An edition of the Bible that is rolled up, weighs 97 kg and is 2 kilometres long when unrolled is the big attraction at a book fair on in the city. The `Doulos International Book Fair', hosted by OM Books (Literature Ministry of Operation Mobilisation India), has several such surprises for book lovers.

Besides the world's largest Bible printed in the U.S. in 1884 and weighing 7 kg; or the smallest Bible that can fit in a matchbox; a handwritten Tamil Bible by 3,014 people, including politicians, sportspersons and film artistes, are on display.

Another highlight of the exhibition is a collection of books from the Doulos ship, comprising about 4,000 titles from various genres including children's literature, dictionaries, medicine and cookery priced between Rs.10 and Rs.500.

Organisers have also introduced general fiction and biographies this year.

About 10,000 titles are showcased at the fair with prices starting from Rs.10. Besides 1,800 versions of Bibles, including digital Bibles, the fair features CDs, cassettes and second-hand books for sale.

In the theological books section, the Bible dictionary (Rs.695), Halley's Bible handbook (Rs.349) and Dake's study Bible need special mention. Books of 25 publishers across the world including Tyndale and Moody press are on display.

OM Books regional manager Jose Thomas said about 10,000 people were expected to visit the fair daily.

The exhibition at Gurukul Theological College, Purasawalkam, will be open till August 16 (9 a.m - 8 p.m).

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