Rosellina Archinto, founder of Emme Edizioni and a pioneer in children's publishing in Italy, has died at the age of 93 in Santa Margherita Ligure. Born in Genoa in 1933, she graduated in Economics from Milan and later married Alberico Archinto Rocca Saporiti in 1958. Her time in New York, where she attended Columbia University, shaped her vision for transforming the publishing industry upon her return to Italy. In 1963, she founded Emme Edizioni, which played a pivotal role in elevating children’s literature from a niche area to a respected field within Italian publishing. Archinto’s work with Emme Edizioni earned her numerous accolades at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair, along with international recognition in France, Germany, and Japan. She was instrumental in introducing foreign illustrators such as Maurice Sendak, Leo Lionni, Tomi Ungerer, Eric Carle, Guillermo Mordillo, and others into the Italian market. Additionally, she helped launch Italian artists like Enzo and Iela Mari, Bruno Munari, Emanuele Luzzati, and Flavio Costantini onto the global stage. In 1985, she established the Archinto Publishing House, specializing in literary correspondence, love letters, and travel writings from artists, musicians, and authors worldwide. This included works by figures such as Rainer Maria Rilke, Thomas Mann, André Gide, Ludwig Wittgenstein, and many others. She also published critical essays by renowned writers including Yves Bonnefoy, Giorgio Briganti, Alberto Manguel, and Truman Capote. In 1999, she co-founded Babalibri with her daughter Francesca, collaborating with the French publisher L’école des Loisirs, known for its focus on children’s literature. From 2003 until July 2015, the Archinto brand was part of the Rizzoli-RCS Libri group, adding poets and writers such as Giuseppe Ungaretti, Umberto Saba, Salvatore Quasimodo, and others to its catalog. During this period, new collections were introduced. In 2015, Archinto regained control of her brand and catalog, restoring the independence of her publishing house. She served as president of the Culture Committee of the City of Milan from 1990 to 1993 and as vice-president of the Foundation of the Teatro Carlo Felice in Genoa from 2003 to 2006. She was also honorary president of the Association of Friends of the Ligurian Museums and Palazzo Ducale in Genoa, as well as president of the Association "Friends of Lalla Romano." She was a member of the jury for the Strega Prize and the Bagutta Prize. In October 2015, she was named a Knight of the National Order of the Legion of Honour. Her legacy extends beyond publishing, influencing cultural institutions and literary circles across Italy. Rosellina Archinto’s career began with her academic training in Economics, followed by her marriage and subsequent move to New York. The experience there laid the foundation for her future endeavors in publishing. After returning to Italy in 1963, she launched Emme Edizioni, which became a cornerstone in promoting children's literature. Over the years, she expanded her influence through multiple publishing ventures, each contributing to the enrichment of Italian culture and literature. Her contributions to the world of books include not only children’s literature but also scholarly works on pedagogy, featuring publications by notable thinkers such as Jean Piaget, Francoise Dolto, and Arno Stern. Through her various publishing houses, she brought together diverse voices from around the globe, creating a rich tapestry of literary expression. The impact of her work can still be felt today, with her publications continuing to inspire readers and scholars alike. Her dedication to fostering both young minds and intellectual discourse has left an enduring mark on the publishing landscape in Italy and beyond. Archinto’s death marks the end of an era in Italian publishing, but her influence will continue to resonate through the countless books she championed and the generations of readers she touched. Her legacy lives on in the pages of the books she published and the institutions she supported throughout her lifetime.
★
Keep the news honest.
ObjectiveNews is reader-funded and ad-free — we show you the bias instead of hiding it. Support independent journalism for €4/month.
Become a Supporter
Italy
