The Swiss National Exhibition 1939: The “Landi” Volume 7 Souvenirs and Ephemera Hardcover – January 23, 2026

This book is the seventh volume of a seven-volume series on the 1939 Swiss National Exhibition, fondly known as the “Landi” from the German word Landesausstellung, which translates as “National Exhibition”. This series is probably the most comprehensive English-language treatment of the Exhibition.This volume provides a detailed account of the ephemera from the 1939 Swiss National Exhibition during its 6-month run. This includes the souvenirs sold at the Landi. In addition, it provides information on the books and pamphlets produced for the Landi, as well as publications issued after October 1939. It also includes chapters on postcards, handicrafts, souvenirs, exhibit guides, tickets, and other paper ephemera.The first volume of the series focuses on the philatelic aspects of the Exhibition. The second volume covers the period before the Exhibition, up to the opening-day ceremonies, offering insight into the planning behind staging such an event. It also includes details of the facilities' construction, with floor plans and photographs taken during and after construction. The third volume covers the activities during the Exhibition's run, including the Cantonal parades, the Folk Costume extravaganza, and the impact of the outbreak of World War II. Volumes 4 and 5 take the reader on tours of the left- and right- bank venues, respectively. Volume six is a detailed catalog of the postcards issued in association with The Landi.The 1939 Swiss National Exhibition had two goals. The first was economic – to showcase the quality of Swiss products to boost exports. The second was more subtle. The exhibition organizers could see the clouds of war gathering on the horizon and wanted to remind the Swiss of their heritage of self-defense against external forces.The 1939 Exhibition opened to great fanfare on 6 May 1939 and ran until 29 October. The Landi was a success beyond the organizers' expectations. They had expected four million visitors over the event’s 6-month span – ten million came!This book will be valuable to historians, postcard and ephemera collectors, stamp collectors, enthusiasts of World’s Fair and Exposition ephemera, and those who want to learn about an important event in Switzerland’s long history. Another great volume from Exhibitors Press. Read more