(1824-1893)
Antonio Ghislanzoni was an Italian poet, journalist and novelist who wrote librettos for Verdi, along with other composers. His best works are the librettos for Aida and the second version of La forza del destino. Expelled from a seminary, he briefly studied medicine before launching a singing career and also dedicating his time to literature. In 1848, he established several pro-republic newspapers in Milan, and then fled to Switzerland. During the 1850s, he remained one of the most active Milanese journalists, but in the 1870s he turned his attention to literature and opera librettos. He is credited for the librettos for 85 operas.