The Betrothed: I Promessi Sposi

A new, beautifully laid-out edition of Alessandro Manzoni’s classic historical epic, originally published in 1827 as I promessi sposi. A sweeping novel set in northern Italy in 1628 during the years of Spanish occupation, The Betrothed is centered around the relationship between Renzo and Lucia — the titular betrothed couple — and their struggle to return to each other and become married, as the world changes around. The Betrothed is also well-known for its remarkable account of the Italian Plague of 1629-1631, and the devastating impact the epidemic had on Milan. Considered to be the most famous and widely read novel in the Italian language, this English edition is based on the unattributed English language translation published by printer Richard Bentley in 1834.