Alessandro Manzoni was an influential Italian novelist and poet, born on March 7, 1785, in Milan. He is best known for his historical novel, The Betrothed (Italian: I Promessi Sposi), published in 1827. This work is considered a masterpiece of Italian literature and explores themes of love, faith, and social justice during the 17th century. Manzoni was also a prominent figure in the Italian Romantic movement and played a significant role in the development of the Italian language. His writings emphasized the importance of moral values and the human experience, making him a key figure in the cultural landscape of 19th-century Italy.