Carlo Collodi facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Carlo Collodi
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1890 sketch of Collodi
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| Born | Carlo Lorenzini 24 November 1826 Florence, Grand Duchy of Tuscany |
| Died | 26 October 1890 (aged 63) Florence, Kingdom of Italy |
| Occupation | Writer, novelist |
| Nationality | Italian |
| Genre | Children's literature Political satire Journalism |
Carlo Lorenzini (born November 24, 1826 – died October 26, 1890) was an Italian author, humorist, and journalist. He is much better known by his pen name Carlo Collodi. He is famous for his classic fairy tale novel The Adventures of Pinocchio.
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Early Life of Carlo Collodi
Carlo Collodi was born in Florence, Italy, on November 24, 1826. His birth name was Carlo Lorenzini.
His mother, Angiolina Orzali Lorenzini, was a seamstress. She came from a town called Collodi. Carlo later chose this town's name for his pen name. His father, Domenico Lorenzini, was a cook. Both of his parents worked for a wealthy family.
Carlo was the oldest of eleven children, but sadly, seven of his siblings died young. He spent a lot of his childhood in Collodi, living with his grandmother.
After finishing primary school, Carlo went to study at a religious school. He thought about becoming a priest, but he decided it wasn't for him. He then continued his education in Florence. In 1844, he started working at a bookstore.
Carlo Collodi's Career
Carlo Collodi was interested in politics from a young age. He volunteered to serve in the Tuscan army during the Italian Wars of Independence in 1848 and 1860. These wars were about uniting different parts of Italy into one country.
His interest in politics showed in his early writings. In 1853, he started a funny newspaper called Il Lampione (The Lamppost). This newspaper made fun of political issues. However, the government stopped it from being published. In 1854, he started another newspaper called Lo scaramuccia ("The Controversy").
Collodi's first published works appeared in his newspapers. In 1856, he wrote a play and a funny travel guide. By 1860, he published an important work called Il signor Alberi ha ragione! (Mr. Alberi Is Right!). This book shared his ideas about Italy's future. It was in this book that he first used the pen name Collodi, honoring his mother's hometown.
He also wrote for other political newspapers. At the same time, he worked for a group that checked plays for censorship. During this period, he wrote many funny stories and sketches.
Writing for Children
Over time, Collodi became less interested in Italian politics. He decided to focus on writing for children instead. His first works for young readers were translations of French fairy tales into Italian. For example, in 1875, he translated famous French fairy tales by Charles Perrault.
In 1876, Collodi wrote Giannettino . This was the start of a series of educational books. These books explored the idea of Italy becoming a united country through the adventures of a character named Giannettino.
The Adventures of Pinocchio
Carlo Lorenzini became very interested in creating a mischievous character who could share his ideas in a fun way. In 1880, he began writing Storia di un burattino (Story of a Marionette). This story was also known as Le avventure di Pinocchio . It was published every week in a children's newspaper called Giornale per i bambini .
The story of Pinocchio became incredibly popular. It was later made into a famous animated film by Disney in 1940. This movie is still loved by many people around the world.
Later Life and Legacy
Carlo Collodi died suddenly in Florence on October 26, 1890. He was 63 years old. He is buried in Florence.
Today, the National Carlo Collodi Foundation works to promote education and Collodi's writings. There is also a special place called the Park of Pinocchio, which many visitors enjoy each year.
See also
In Spanish: Carlo Collodi para niños
