
This volume gathers a series of previously unpublished passages from one of Italy’s most beloved 19th‑century novels. The fragments, ranging from early sketches of characters to whole scenes that never made it into the final text, let listeners hear the author’s evolving ideas about love, power, and the turbulent history that frames the story. Accompanying notes explain the historical references and the reasons why certain sections were altered or omitted, providing a rare behind‑the‑scenes look at the work’s construction.
The audio presentation reads each fragment in a clear, engaging voice, followed by brief commentary that situates the passage within the larger narrative. Listeners encounter vivid moments such as the desperate flight of a villain, the quiet courage of a young woman returning to her village, and the author’s reflections on the 1628 famine and the plague that struck Bergamo. These insights enrich the familiar tale without spoiling later developments, making the collection a valuable companion for both newcomers and longtime admirers.
Full title
Brani inediti dei Promessi Sposi, vol. 2 Opere di Alessando Manzoni vol. 2 parte 2
Language
it
Duration
~8 hours (505K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Giovanni Fini and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive)
Release date
2014-07-31
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
Subjects

1785–1873
A giant of Italian literature, he is best known for The Betrothed, a historical novel that helped shape modern Italian language and culture. His work blended moral seriousness, vivid storytelling, and a deep concern for history, faith, and ordinary people.
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