The Betrothed - A. Manzoni

Alessandro Manzoni (Milan, March 7, 1785 - Milan, May 22, 1873) was an Italian writer and poet, one of the most important figures in the literature of his country. Manzoni composed his masterpiece, "I Promessi Sposi" ("The Betrothed"), between 1821 and 1840. The work "The Betrothed" tells the story of two young peasants who intend to marry but are "hindered" by a local lord, Don Rodrigo, who has a network of agents at his disposal. "The Betrothed" is a historical novel that cannot be met with indifference.

Italian poet and novelist Alessandro Manzoni was born in Milan on March 7, 1785, descending from an ancient family of feudal lords. He grew up in Milan but joined his mother in Paris in 1805. In this city, he became acquainted with the ideas and principles of Voltaire's thought, a notable influence on his early works, which reflect a tendency towards anti-clerical and Jacobin ideals.
In 1808, he married Henriette-Louise Blondel, the daughter of a Swiss Protestant banker. Two years later, Henriette converted to Catholicism, which led Manzoni to reconcile with the Church. From then on, the writer dedicated his life to religion, patriotism (he was a strong supporter of the Italian liberation and unification movement), and literature. His creative writings were concentrated between 1812 and 1827, after which he devoted himself to linguistic studies. Among his close friends were Tommaso Grossi, Massimo d'Azeglio, and the philosopher Antonio Rosmini. He spent most of his life in Milan, where he died on May 22, 1873.