list_text=          In the Italian children's magazine "Topolino," European publishing legend Arnoldo Mondadori treated Mickey Mouse with the same respect he afforded such classical authors as Thomas Mann, Ernest Hemingway and Gabriele D’Annunzio. 
          Former director of "Topolino" Gaudenzio Capelli said about Mondadori, who's company published "Topolino" from 1935 to 1988, "Arnoldo had a keen intuition for discovering new authors such as Pirandello and D'Annunzio. From the moment he first saw Mickey Mouse, he had a feeling he'd become a big Italian star."  
          Born November 2, 1889, in the village of Poggio Rusco, Italy, Arnoldo was the son of a farmer and a homemaker. At a young age, he won a job in a typography shop and by 15, transformed a dream into reality by publishing his very own newspaper "La Luce."  
          His dream did not stop there, however, and Arnoldo continued to work tirelessly to develop other books and publications. Eventually, he established one of Europe's most prestigious publishing houses - Arnoldo Mondadori Editore - which published consumer magazines, such as Time, and books, ranging from classical literature to reference books.
          In 1935, Arnoldo first saw Disney's "Topolino" magazine, which was then published in newspaper size by the publisher Nerbini in Florence. He fell in love with "Topolino" and felt he could do more for the image of Disney's cartoon star if he were publisher of the monthly magazine. So Arnoldo arranged a personal introduction to Walt and Roy O. Disney and subsequently, convinced them of his ability to gain a larger audience for Mickey in Italy. 
          Capelli added, "When Arnoldo met Walt and Roy Disney, they did not speak Italian and he did not speak English. Yet, within a few minutes they reached an agreement that he would publish "Topolino’" in Italy."
          Upon gaining rights to the magazine, the publishing genius immediately changed its format to pocket size, so children could easily carry it with them and share it with their friends. This simple innovation, along with Arnoldo's sensibilities in developing appealing editorial and artistic content propelled the magazine to extraordinary success at the time, selling 200,000 issues per month. With the success of "Topolino," Arnoldo went on to publish "Donald Duck" magazine among other Disney comic books.
          If the truth be known, of all the authors and publications Arnoldo ever dealt with, he held a special spot in his heart for Mickey Mouse. According to former employees, every night, before going to sleep, Arnoldo would personally check the work in "Topolino."  
Arnoldo Mondadori loved his work and never retired. He died on July 1, 1972, in Milan.&