Rosellina Archinto, influential Italian publisher, dies at 93

Rosellina Archinto, a pioneering figure in Italian publishing, has died at the age of 93 in Santa Margherita, Liguria.

As the founder of Emme Edizioni in 1966, Archinto is credited with introducing the modern illustrated children's book to Italy. Her work brought the works of international authors such as Maurice Sendak, Leo Lionni, and Eric Carle to Italian readers, while also promoting Italian illustrators like Bruno Munari. Through her imprint Babalibri, co-founded with her daughter Francesca, she established a lasting legacy in children's literature.

Beyond children's books, Archinto expanded her influence through the Archinto brand, which focused on essays and private correspondence from notable figures including Sigmund Freud, Rainer Maria Rilke, and Marlene Dietrich. She was recognized as a female pioneer in a male-dominated industry, overcoming social pressures to establish a significant editorial career.