Novels are not lectures and they should not be read as such. He uses the story of two common types, to paint a larger fresco of History with a capital H, which he sees as the complex of social phenomena affecting the many, rather than the adventures of a few great men. Economics here comes in handy it inspired, in particular, the twelfth chapter of the novel, which Einaudi recognized as a masterpiece in making vivid concepts dear to classical economists. Manzoni wrote what is perhaps the highest example of the historical novel. The two main characters show a kind affection, largely free of sensual passion, and the novels key themes seem to be redemption and humility. Manzonis book is indeed the story of two betrothed people, whose hope to get married is hampered by a local nobleman, and who eventually overcome the obstacles he puts in their way, by and large by chanceor thanks to Providence. Why was he recommending a novel to Ministri, direttori generali, commissari, prefetti, rather than a proper treatise in economics? Well before then, Einaudi was the countrys most prestigious economist. Einaudi was both a scholar and journalist, who later became the first president of the fledgling Italian Republic in 1948. These words were written by Luigi Einaudi (1874≡961), recommending The Betrothed, the 1827 novel by Alessandro Manzoni (1785≡873), to the massive ranks of Italian public officers. Let the government mind its business, and the citizens will mind theirs. (Einaudi 1919). They should ponder the words, full of truths and sense, of this great author and resolve at last to make themselves scarce as to private commerce. It is one of the best treatises on political economy ever written. of Alessandro Manzonis The Betrothed to be read in idle moments, to be kept on their desk, or on their nightstand at night, to be at hand when they cannot sleep. Ministers, general managers, commissars, prefects should purchase a copy. A city that is under quarantine due to the coronavirus. This article will be published in the forthcoming Winter 2020/21 issue of The Independent Review.

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The betrothed manzoni new translation