The largest memorabilia show ever dedicated to Pinocchio, the wooden puppet who became one of Italy's most famous exports, will get under way at the 19th Exhibition of Antique Books in Milan 14-16 March.
Carlo Collodi's Adventures of Pinocchio was first published in 1883 and is Italy's most printed book after the Bible in the last 100 years.
Early editions of the book will go on show at Milan's Palazzo della Permanente together with Pinocchio-inspired toys, comics, posters, china models and themed cult objects such as milk cartons and figurines that have become favourites with collectors.
''In Italy today there are almost 400 Pinocchio collectors,'' a show spokesman said, naming late Italian actor Alberto Sordi as one of the nation's most famous puppet fanatics.
''He once confessed to being tormented by the fact that he did not possess a first edition of the book,'' the spokesman added.
The puppet carved from pine wood in Geppetto's workshop who dreams of being a real boy has inspired over 300 illustrators in Italy since his conception, according to show organisers.
Collodi first created the character of Pinocchio in 1881 for an Italian children's magazine whose editor persuaded him to continue the story and publish it in book form.
