«L’Illustrazione Italiana», No 44, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Carlo Collodi, born Carlo Lorenzini (1826–1890), was an Italian author best known for creating the classic children’s story “The Adventures of Pinocchio” (1883). Collodi was a prolific writer and journalist, but it is “Pinocchio” that has endured as his most famous and beloved work.
“The Adventures of Pinocchio” tells the story of a wooden puppet named Pinocchio who dreams of becoming a real boy. The tale follows Pinocchio’s misadventures and moral lessons as he navigates a fantastical world filled with talking animals, magical creatures, and colourful characters. Through Pinocchio’s journey, Collodi explores themes of morality, obedience, and the consequences of one’s actions.
Collodi’s creation of Pinocchio has had a lasting impact on literature and popular culture, inspiring numerous adaptations, including stage plays, films, and animated cartoons. The character of Pinocchio has become an iconic figure in children’s literature, recognized and beloved by readers of all ages around the world.
In addition to “Pinocchio,” Collodi wrote numerous other works, including novels, short stories, and political satires. However, it is his timeless tale of the wooden puppet who longs to be real that has secured his place as one of Italy’s most celebrated authors and storytellers.