18 May 2006-22 June 2006. This years world-class literature festival boasts an impressive line-up of writers of international fame who stand on the magnificent stage at the Basilica di Massenzio and read from their work. In its fifth edition, the programme boasts the presence of two Nobel laureates the South African Nadine Gordimer (30 May) and Portuguese Jos Saramago (22 June) as well as international best-selling and emerging writers. This year sees a new formula in which many authors find themselves face-to-face with other authors with whom they have something in common. Thus the best-selling Italian Erri De Luca will be on stage with the Catalan writer Javier Crcas (6 June), Susanna Tamaro with Sandra Cisneros (8 June), Sandro Veronesi with Richard Ford (13 June), Arturo Pres-Reverte with Alan Hollinghurst (15 June), Alessandro Baricco with Dave Eggers (16 June), and Elisabetta Rosy with Zadie Smith (20 June). Tickets are free but must be picked up before the performance in front of the entrance to the Basilica di Massenzio in Via dei Fori Imperiali. The ticket office opens at 19.00 and readings begin at 21.00.