The Adventures of Pinocchio is a novel for children by Italian author Carlo Collodi, written in Pescia. The first half was originally a serial in 1881 and 1882, published as The tale of a puppet , and then later completed as a book for children in February 1883. It is about the mischievous adventures of an animated marionette named Pinocchio and his father, a poor woodcarver named Geppetto. 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 Disneys 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 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 book sever published. In recent years, the book has sold over 80 million copies, while the precise total sales are unknown because of the many public domain re-releases since 1940. According to Francelia Butler, it remains the most translated Italian book and, after the Bible, the most widely read.