The decision by the Frankfurt Book Fair to honour Italy during this year’s gathering did not sit well with a number of Italian writers, who sharply criticized their government’s treatment of intellectuals. The fair, the world’s largest gathering for the book trade, opened its doors to industry professionals on Wednesday. Italy has been formally designated as the guest of honour for the event. From Friday midday, the world’s largest book fair plans to open to the reading public. The invitation to present Italian culture in Frankfurt “could be a great opportunity, but it’s not,” novelist Frances…