TESTO book fair expands across Florence with 150 publishers

The third edition of TESTO [Come si diventa un libro], a contemporary publishing fair organized by Todo Modo at Florence's Stazione Leopolda, runs through February 25, 2024. Director general Agostino Poletto of Pitti Immagine notes the event's growth to 150 publishers, 56 of which are first-time participants. The fair emphasizes equal exhibition space for all participants, passionate storytelling over pure sales, and a rich program of presentations, workshops, and training sessions. This year, TESTO expands into the city center with literary walks, open libraries and archives, and a reconstructed train compartment for literary journeys. Highlights include an independent magazine stand curated by Frab's Magazine, literary walks combining thought and outdoor exercise, open days at the Gabinetto Vieusseux, Palazzo Corsini Suarez (hosting a typewriter exhibition including Pier Paolo Pasolini's Olivetti Lettera 22), the Biblioteca Medicea Laurenziana, the Biblioteca dell'Istituto Francese, and the Biblioteca del British Institute of Florence. On February 25, Cango hosts "Ascoltami," a dance performance by Virgilio Sieni's national dance center featuring blind and visually impaired citizens and dancers. Cinema La Compagnia screens a special documentary program.