Felice Orsini, an Italian revolutionist, born in Meldola, near Forli, in 1819, executed in Paris, March 13, 1858. He early engaged with his father in political plots, and when scarcely 25 years of age was sentenced to penal labor for life. Restored to liberty in 1846, he participated in various revolutionary movements. After the suppression of the revolution of 1848-'9 he lived for some years in England, and was employed in several revolutionary missions by Mazzini. In 1854 he was arrested in Hermannstadt, Transylvania, and carried to the fortress of Mantua, whence he succeeded in escaping in 1856. Returning to England, he published " The Austrian Dungeons in Italy." In 1857 he went to Paris to assassinate Napoleon III., whom he considered the main obstacle to the progress of revolution. He had three associates named Pieri, Rudio, and Gomez. On the evening of Jan. 14, 1858, as the emperor and empress were approaching the Grand Opera, three bombs were thrown under their carriage and exploded, killing or wounding a large number of persons, though the intended victims escaped. Orsini, Pieri, and Radio were sentenced to death and Gomez to hard labor for life. Through the intercession of the empress Eugenie the life of Rudio was spared.

Orsini died with perfect composure, having a few days before his execution exhorted Napoleon in a letter to liberate Italy. His autobiography, translated by G. Carbonel, was published at Edinburgh in 1857.