Alessandro Manzoni Books

“The great plague novel.” —The New Yorker Set in Lombardy during the Spanish occupation of the late 1620s, The Betrothed tells the story of two young lovers, Renzo and Lucia, prevented from marrying by the petty tyrant Don Rodrigo, who desires Lucia for himself. Forced to flee, they are then cruelly separated, and must face many dangers including plague, famine and imprisonment, and confront a variety of strange characters—the mysterious Nun of Monza, the fiery Father Cristoforo and the sinister "Unnamed"—in their struggle to be reunited. A vigorous portrayal of enduring passion, The Betrothed's exploration of love, power, and faith presents a whirling panorama of seventeenth-century Italian life and is one of the greatest European historical novels. For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.

Focusing on the struggles of young lovers Renzo and Lucia, the narrative explores their fight against the corrupt church and state authorities obstructing their union. Set against the backdrop of 19th century Italy, it serves as a poignant critique of societal injustices and abuses of power. First published in 1827, this classic novel by Alessandro Manzoni remains a significant work in Italian literature, highlighting themes of love, resilience, and the quest for justice.

The book features a comprehensive bibliography of scholarship related to Manzoni, alongside his original preface to "Carmagnola" and historical notes on his tragedies. These elements offer valuable insights into Manzoni's intricate views on politics, history, and the art of drama, enhancing the reader's understanding of his work and its context.

This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the original. Due to its age, it may contain imperfections such as marks, notations, marginalia and flawed pages. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions that are true to the original work.

One of the defining works of Italian literature, Manzoni's epic tale of love and redemption is given new life in this fresh translation. With its vivid descriptions of life in 17th century Milan and its stirring portrayal of two lovers struggling to overcome the obstacles that stand in their way, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history and culture of Italy.

Culturally significant, this work preserves the integrity of the original artifact, showcasing its historical importance. It includes original copyright references and library stamps, reflecting its journey through esteemed libraries worldwide. This reproduction offers readers a glimpse into the foundational knowledge of civilization, maintaining authenticity while providing access to a vital piece of literary heritage.

The narrative follows a young couple whose love and compassion prevail against the backdrop of tyranny, war, famine, and disease. This modern translation of a classic Italian novel highlights the resilience of human spirit and devotion, while also reflecting Italy's rich cultural heritage.

The collection features letters from Alessandro Manzoni, offering insights into his relationships with notable figures like Giuseppe Verdi and Cesare Cant over a span of fifty years. These correspondences, written between 1809 and 1869, reveal the author's personality and life experiences, enriching the understanding of his literary contributions. Additionally, the book includes a detailed list of Manzoni's autographs found in his study, enhancing its significance for those interested in 19th-century Italian literature and Manzoni's legacy.