Leipzig has a fascinating history. Lenin printed the first issues of his Marxist newspaper here. Lessing, Jean-Paul Sartre and Goethe all studied at the university. Music and books are important – there are no less than 38 publishers in the city, and it is Wagner’s birthplace. The German Museum of Books claims to be the world’s oldest of its kind. Mendelssohn was director of music, and Bach was choirmaster, at the now completely restored St Thomas’ Church, between 1723 and 1750. There are museums dedicated to both composers in the city. Bach’s church choir still exists and is of an excellent standard, as is the city’s Gewandhaus Orchestra. The old University (1407), the famous Auerbach’s Cellar and the Kaffeebaum, the most famous of the city’s cafes, are further attractions in the city. Today Leipzig stages major international trade fairs.