Alessandro Manzoni (Milan, March 7, 1785 — Milan, May 22, 1873) was an Italian writer and poet, one of the most important figures in the literature of his country. Manzoni composed his masterpiece, "I Promessi Sposi" ("The Betrothed"), between 1821 and 1840. The work "The Betrothed" tells the story of two young peasants who intend to marry but are "hindered" by a local lord, Don Rodrigo, who has a network of agents at his disposal. "The Betrothed" is a historical novel that cannot be met with indifference.