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Alessandro Manzoni: Biography, Books & Where to Start

1785–1873 · Milan, Italy · also known as Manzoni

Alessandro Manzoni booksAlessandro Manzoni biographyThe BetrothedManzoni

Who was Alessandro Manzoni?

Alessandro Manzoni’s The Betrothed (I promessi sposi), first published in 1827 and revised in 1842, follows two young lovers kept apart by a bullying nobleman in 17th-century Lombardy, through famine, war and plague. Manzoni rewrote it in the language of Florence to create a shared national Italian, and it is still read in every Italian school. Verdi composed his Requiem in Manzoni’s memory.

Where to start

Begin with The Betrothed.

Alessandro Manzoni’s books, in order

  1. The Betrothed (1827) Read free →

Part of our Italian Classics reading list — print it, email it to yourself or share it.

More Italian authors

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Frequently asked questions

Who was Alessandro Manzoni?

Alessandro Manzoni’s The Betrothed (I promessi sposi), first published in 1827 and revised in 1842, follows two young lovers kept apart by a bullying nobleman in 17th-century Lombardy, through famine, war and plague. Manzoni rewrote it in the language of Florence to create a shared national Italian, and it is still read in every Italian school.

What is Alessandro Manzoni’s most famous book?

The Betrothed is usually considered Alessandro Manzoni’s best-known work.

Which Alessandro Manzoni book should I read first?

Most readers start with The Betrothed.

Is it Alessandro Manzoni or Manzoni?

Both refer to the same writer.

Can I read Alessandro Manzoni’s books free online?

Yes — 1 of Alessandro Manzoni’s books are free to read online in Pagine, the free e-reader and reading tracker.

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