I Promessi Sposi: The Five Foot Classics Vol. XXI (in 51 Volumes) (Five Foot Shelf of Classics)

Originally published between 1909 and 1917 under the name Harvard Classics this stupendous 51-volume set-a collection of the greatest writings from literature philosophy history and mythology-was assembled by American academic CHARLES WILLIAM ELIOT (1834-1926) Harvard Universitys longest-serving president. Also known as Dr. Eliots Five Foot Shelf it represented Eliots belief that a basic liberal education could be gleaned by reading from an anthology of works that could fit on five feet of bookshelf. Volume XXI features the 1827 novel I Promessi Sposi (The Bethrothed) by Italian writer ALESSANDRO MANZONI (1785-1873) considered the most beloved work in the Italian language. A historical romance inspired by Sir Walter Scotts Ivanhoe it is the tale of lovers Renzo and Lucia and their quest to be together. Beautifully evocative of its 17th-century setting it is noted for its dramatic depiction of plague-addled Milan.