In the 19th century, Alessandro Manzoni dedicated himself to writing the novel I promessi sposi that encouraged the Italian Risorgimento. This book traces how the renowned novelist was inspired by an event that occurred at the beginning of the 17th century, which he came to know about thanks to the secret collaboration of a Venetian archivist.

Autorentext

Claudio Povolo is a Professor in the Department of Humanistic Studies of the Università Ca' Foscari of Venice, Italy. His research is prevalently concerned with aspects of the administration of penal justice in the modern age. Among his publications are: L'intrigo dell'onore. Poteri e istituzioni nella repubblica di Venezia tra Cinque e Seicento, (1997) and Zanzanù. Il bandito del lago (1576-1617), (2011).

Inhalt

1. Introduction: Manzoni and the Making of Italy; John Martin 2. From History to Fiction 3. The Journey of a Document 4. A Conflict of Wills 5. Concerning a Capitulary 6. From Invention to History 7. Afterword: Beyond any Reasonable Doubt?