The Betrothed

The Betrothed (Italian: I promessi sposi, pronounced [i proˈmessi ˈspɔːzi]) is an Italian historical novel by Alessandro Manzoni. The novel was first published in three volumes between 1825 and 1827; it was significantly revised and rewritten until the definitive version was published between 1840 and 1842. It has been called the most famous and widely read novel in the Italian language. Set in the Duchy of Milan in 1628 during the years of Spanish rule under the Spanish Habsburg, the novel is noted for its extraordinary description of the 1629–1631 Italian plague, particularly the one that struck Milan around 1630. Although it is a historical romance due its portrayal of the unwavering strength of love (the relationship between Renzo and Lucia, and their struggle to finally meet again and be married), it also deals with a variety of themes, such as the illusory nature of political power and the inherent injustice of any legal system and the range of character among the Christian clergy from the cowardice of the parish priest Don Abbondio to the heroic sanctity of others (the friar Padre Cristoforo and the cardinal Federico Borromeo).