Alessandro Manzoni
1785–1873 (age 88)
Biography
Alessandro Manzoni was one of Italy's greatest literary figures, whose novel "The Betrothed" stands as a masterpiece of world literature. His profound influence on Italian language, culture, and national identity cannot be overstated, as he shaped the development of modern Italian prose and contributed immeasurably to the nation's literary canon.
Manzoni's long and productive life spanned the Napoleonic era through Italian unification, and his works engaged with fundamental questions of morality, faith, and human dignity. He is honored with burial in the Monumental Cemetery of Milan, a fitting tribute to his towering legacy as one of the greatest writers of the 19th century.