The classic Italian historical novel I Promessi Sposi (“The Betrothed“) was first published in 1827 in three volumes.  It is a veiled attack on the Austrian Empire and is set in northern Italy during the oppressive time of Spanish rule.  It is also noted for it’s description of the plague that struck Milan in 1630.

It deals with multiple themes, from the cowardly and hypocritical nature of prelate Don Abbondio and the sainthood of others priests (Padre Cristoforo and Federico Borromeo), to the unwavering love between Renzo and Lucia and offers deep insight into the meanderings of the human mind.

Chapters 28-30 tells of how the Milanese government is unable to keep the price of bread down by decree and the city is swamped by beggars.  The lazaretto is filled with the hungry and the sick.  These chapters detail the calamities brought by the Thirty Years’ War.

Chapter 28 of I promessi sposi may be read here:

http://www.bartleby.com/21/28.html

Alternatively,  the beginning of this classic historical Italian novel may be listened to in an audiobook format here: