Manzoni, Alessandro (1785-1873)

Italian poet and novelist. He was the author of the historical romance I promessi sposi/The Betrothed (1825-27, revised 1842), set in Spanish-occupied Milan during the 17th century. He is regarded as the greatest Italian novelist although later writers have often avoided his extreme romanticism. Verdi's Requiem commemorates him.

He also wrote the widely admired Inni sacri/Sacred Hymns 1812-22 and an ode to Napoleon, Il cinque maggio/The Fifth of May 1822. Among his other works are a treatise on the religious basis of morality, Osservazioni sulla morale cattolica 1819, and the tragedies Il conte di Carmagnola/The Count of Carmagnola 1820 and Adelchi 1822.

Manzoni was born in Milan and went to Paris 1805, where he was introduced to the new Romantic ideas. His masterpiece I promessi sposi brought him fame throughout Europe and is remarkable for its clear and dignified style, its masterly characterization, and its skilful dialogue.