Alessandro Manzoni is one of the most celebrated Italian writers, renowned for his masterpiece, The Betrothed. Published in the mid-19th century, this historical novel is considered a cornerstone of Italian literature. Set in 17th-century Lombardy, it tells the story of Renzo and Lucia, two young lovers whose lives are disrupted by tyranny and societal injustice. Manzoni's work is celebrated for its rich historical detail, its exploration of universal themes such as love, faith, and justice, and its contribution to the development of the Italian language.