Book Description
This book was converted from its physical edition to the digital format by a community of volunteers. You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery. Italy ... Read more

Book Description
Throughout the world Pinocchio is acknowledged as a rich tale about growing up and self-discovery, an exciting adventure for young children, and a chance to reflect, recall, and understand for adults. In addition to providing the most complete list of English language Pinnochio editions thus far compiled, each of the more than 850 entries in this catalogue is fully described, distinguishing first editions from later releases. Compiled by means of actual copies, all citations state the source of the copy described. Each entry consists of full bibliographic credits, identification of the version, physical description of the volume, occasional other notes, and then traces the edition (when a reprint or reissue) back to its original source. A synopsis is added for Pinocchio continuations. Entries being listed by year of release, this carefully constructed reference is designed for ready access by date, publisher index, name index, and synoptic table. In addition to other information they provide, the notes on publishers are particularly useful for interpreting printing marks, identifying changes in cover, title page, etc., and establishing various series dates and prices. This unique and comprehensive catalogue examines many previously unrecorded editions and sorts out whole assemblies of apparently similar volumes in a completely accessible format. Limiting Disney versions to 1939-40, the catalogue also includes plays, films, radio program, TV shows, and other renditions. It will be an immensely useful resource for book dealers, libraries, and collectors of children's literature. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A fine reference and the only one of its kind
A research paper I had to do on puppets in modern literature led me to this book.I saved hours of research time by referring to this authoritative reference. ... Read more

Book Description
In the first full-length study in English of Carlo Collodi's The Adventures of Pinocchio, the authors show how the checkered history of the puppet illuminates social change from the pre World War One era to the present. The authors argue that most Americans know a trivialized, diluted version of the tale, one such source is Disney's perennial classic. The authors also discover that when adults are introduced to the 'real' story, they often deem it as unsuitable for children. Placing the puppet in a variety of contexts, the authors chart the progression of this childhood tale that has frequently undergone dramatic revisions to suit America's idea of children's literature. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

THE Pinocchio Study Has Arrived!
Finally - a comprehensive analysis and history of one of the most important children's books!If you think you know Pinocchio, think again.Pinocchio Goes Postmodern is THE exhaustive study of the great literary puppet.From Carlo Collodi's (pen name for Carlo Lorenzini) original late 19th century tale to its many 20th and 21st century spin-offs, from the original's illustrations to its inspired copies, to Disney's version and beyond, Pinocchio Goes Postmodern enlightens with its expansive chronicling of the fabled Pinocchio story in its myriad manifestations.

Wunderlich and Morrissey are, in my estimation, the world's preeminent Pinocchio scholars.(Hollywood and Global Cinema take note:If you are going to tackle a celluloid rendition of this tale - animated or otherwise - you need this team aboard as consultants.)The former is a professor of sociology at The College of Saint Rose in Albany, the latter, a professor of English at SUNY Plattsburgh.Wunderlich had already written a Pinocchio Bibliography before tackling this endeavor.Morrissey has written at least one Pinocchio-inspired play.Both have written many articles and given many talks on the subject for over twenty years.Pinocchio Goes Postmodern benefits from these scholars, not only because of their seemingly exhaustive knowledge about Collodi, Pinocchio and their literary children but because they are able to approach the material from both sociological and literary vantage points.

The text provides an overview of creator Collodi's life and work prior to Pinocchio, as well as a publication history of the original.Later chapters expand on the publication history of Pinocchio and trace the manner in which Collodi's story has been re-told, appropriated, outright stolen, bastardized, rescued and recovered by a plethora of storytellers.The best of these amalgamations capture the true spirit of the original tale and continue to make it both a learning experience in the context of amusing storytelling.The best of the Pinocchio spin-offs also continue to focus on the growth of the "I-ness" (to borrow Robert Coover's terminology from his adult sequel, Pinocchio In Venice) within the principal character.In spite of its detractors and countless rip-off artists, Collodi's original Pinocchio tale is a beautiful children's bildungsroman that does not shirk from strong lessons.The novel emphasizes that the so-called "real world" can be a cruel and dangerous place.You can get lost in it but it.And it can change you for better or worse.How we cope in the midst of harsh lessons and times of peril often speaks loads about us because these are often the moments that transform us into stronger human beings and give us a better understanding of ourselves.Indeed, Collodi's Pinocchio remains, in its own way, one of the most important of existentialist tracts.

Perhaps the most valuable aspect of Wunderlich and Morrissey's text, however, is not its incredible thoroughness regarding its core subject matter, but its attempt to rescue the original story from obscurity and reacquaint contemporary readers to the power and messages imbedded there.Disney probably did the most damage in terms of turning Pinocchio into a cutesy children's tale.(Moreover, the sociological and moral lessons imbedded in the Disney version are skewed.For example, nobody is economically destitute in the Disney (World) view and if you disobey your parents and guardian angels - even if they look like crickets - you're going to wind up a demon-like, gambling, heathen.Period.) Although Collodi probably kept adults in mind as he was penning his book, his text is unquestionably first and foremost a children's story.The author made sure his story remained focused on depicting sincere versions of the tough trails - and trials - children must travel on their journey to adulthood.Why there have been countless watered down retellings of the story may best be summed up by an overview of our postmodern culture:our obsession with keeping things light and easy, our manic infatuation with consumerism, our attempt to turn life into one long visit to Pleasure Island.Most damaging of all, perhaps, is a turning away from the importance of cultivating an intimate knowledge and ongoing study of the self.Self-study is not narcissistic behavior, but necessary in order to gain authenticity in a largely inauthentic and superficial world.

Pinocchio Goes Postmodern is not only a fun book to read, it's a tremendous reference tool that belongs in the library (public and private) of anyone concerned with the history of great children's literature and great texts in general.Wunderlich and Morrissey present their material in an accessible, friendly style.Their knowledge of and enthusiasm for their subject matter will make you want to keep turning the pages as quickly as you can read them - and then race to go re-read Collodi's original Pinocchio and re-discovery its joys and wonders.

The Authentic Pinocchio and The Imposter
Because of the dumbing down of the Pinocchio story in the U.S. since the late 1930's, augmented by the continuing dominance of the Disney version, modern American readers, child and adult, are missing out on an important reading experience popularly enjoyed during the first four decades of the 20th century. The Wunderlich/Morrisey book describes and analyzes the former richness and ubiquity, and the subsequent adulteration, of the original Pinocchio version in America.

This book belongs in the library of every academic institution where literary and cultural studies are important.It should also be accessible in public libraries to enable parents and teachers to discover, or rediscover, a rollicking and many-layered story to share with children. ... Read more