The Betrothed

Alessandro Manzoni's The Betrothed is now available in its first English translation in fifty years, celebrated as a landmark in Italian literature alongside works like the Divine Comedy. Set in the tumultuous backdrop of 1628, the novel follows two young lovers forced to escape their village when a powerful lord disrupts their plans. Blending historical events with rich social commentary, Manzoni crafts a vivid portrayal of life during the Spanish occupation of Milan, marked by war, class struggle, and faith. Michael F. Moore's dynamic translation revives this essential work for contemporary readers.