Books

1892 1st edition. 1st issue in the pale blue patterned cloth, with the misprinted "C" instead of "E" for Enrico Mazzanti on title page. 232 pages. Cloth faded on spine as usual with this color, with light pink mark on cover almost faded out and a little wear top edge of the spine, there is an inscription "To Barbara on her 10th Birthday with love and very best wishes from Mrs. McLean Aug 5th, 1948". Contents a little handled in places, but near very good, it has the list of 4 other titles in the series "The Children's Library" facing the title page and the matching patterned page edges as the cloth covers. NOW presented in a custom-made unique clamshell box by Glen Malkin with velvet interior and in a full maroon crushed morocco with inlaid silhouette figures from the illustrations in the book on the cover of the box and its spine, with gilt embossed ornate designed titles. Small octavo. RARE. *NOTE: First edition in English. "One of the best-known fantasies, and the most popular children's book to come out of Italy. The story was written for a Rome children's magazine, the Giornale dei Bambini, where the first installment appeared on 7 July 1881. It was published as a book in 1883 under the title Le Avventure di Pinocchio: Storia di un burattino (History of a Puppet), and quickly became a best-seller. Lorenzini's publisher is said to have made a fortune out of it, but Lorenzini himself died too early [in 1890] to witness its international success. Almost nothing else in children's literature equals Pinocchio for wildness of invention" (Humphrey Carpenter and Mari Prichard: The Oxford Companion to Children's Literature). AUTHOR BIOG: Carlo Lorenzini, better known by the pen name Carlo Collodi 24 November 1826 - 26 October 1890), was a children's writer born in the Grand Duchy of Tuscany and writer of the world-renowned fairy tale novel The Adventures of Pinocchio. It is considered a canonical piece of children's literature and has inspired hundreds of new editions, stage plays, merchandising and movies, such as Walt Disney's iconic animated version and commonplace ideas such as a liar's long nose. According to extensive research done by the Fondazione Nazionale Carlo Collodi in the late 1990s and based on UNESCO sources, it has been adapted in over 260 languages worldwide. That makes it the most translated non-religious book in the world, and one of the best-selling books ever published. According to Francelia Butler, it remains "the most widely read book in the world after the Bible".

The classic children's novel that tells the story of a wooden puppet named Pinocchio, created by the carpenter Geppetto. Upon being carved, Pinocchio magically comes to life and embarks on a series of adventures, driven by his dream of becoming a real boy. Pinocchio is curious and often disobedient, leading him into various troubles. Despite the guidance of the Talking Cricket, who acts as his conscience, Pinocchio frequently falls into mischief. His nose grows longer each time he lies, serving as a physical manifestation of his dishonesty. Throughout the story, Pinocchio encounters a host of memorable characters, including the deceitful Fox and Cat, who trick him out of his money, and the kind Fairy with Turquoise Hair, who helps him multiple times and acts as a maternal figure. Pinocchio’s journey is one of self-discovery and moral education, highlighting the virtues of honesty, hard work, and the importance of education. Key episodes include Pinocchio’s transformation into a donkey after being lured to the Land of Toys, his escape from the belly of a giant fish, and his repeated attempts to reunite with Geppetto, who is consistently loving and forgiving. In the end, after a series of trials and personal growth, Pinocchio’s selflessness and bravery lead to his transformation into a real boy, symbolizing his moral and personal development. The novel is celebrated for its rich moral lessons, engaging narrative, and whimsical characters. Collodi’s tale has left a lasting impact on children’s literature and has been adapted into numerous films, television shows, and stage productions, the most famous being Disney’s 1940 animated film. "The Adventures of Pinocchio" remains a timeless story about the journey to becoming one’s true self.