What do you think?
Rate this book
Memoirs of Casanova #10
Storia della mia fuga dai Piombi
Europe's greatest adventurer. Thrown into an escape-proof prison for a crime he probably committed. The question is, which crime?
In 1755, the infamous Giacomo Casanova was locked up without trial in Venice's notorious Leads prison. Over 15 months he battled disease, madness, boredom, grotesque gaolers, bad books and fellow prisoners, before attempting the most audacious and typically flamboyant escape in history.
This is Casanova's own account of the escape bid that made him a celebrity across Europe, full of his unique wit and philosophy, translated into English in full for the first time.
In 1755, the infamous Giacomo Casanova was locked up without trial in Venice's notorious Leads prison. Over 15 months he battled disease, madness, boredom, grotesque gaolers, bad books and fellow prisoners, before attempting the most audacious and typically flamboyant escape in history.
This is Casanova's own account of the escape bid that made him a celebrity across Europe, full of his unique wit and philosophy, translated into English in full for the first time.
236 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1788
87 people are currently reading
938 people want to read
About the author
Giacomo Casanova
1,434 books274 followersA seminary expelled Giovanni Jacopo Casanova de Seingalt, Italian adventurer, who afterward wandered Europe, met luminaries, worked in a variety of occupations, established a legendary reputation for lust, and chronicled his memoirs.
Giacomo Girolamo Casanova de Seingalt, a Venetian, authored book. People regard Histoire de ma vie ( Story of My Life ), his main book, part autobiography, as one most authentic source of the customs and norms of social life during the 18th century.
He, sometimes called the greatest lust of the world, so famously womanized with his synonymous name with the art of seduction.
Giacomo Girolamo Casanova de Seingalt, a Venetian, authored book. People regard Histoire de ma vie ( Story of My Life ), his main book, part autobiography, as one most authentic source of the customs and norms of social life during the 18th century.
He, sometimes called the greatest lust of the world, so famously womanized with his synonymous name with the art of seduction.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
March 21, 2021
giacomo if you read this i’m free on thursday night and would like to hang out. please respond to this and then hang out with me on thursday night when i’m free
January 3, 2019
For anyone who thinks of Casanova only as a seducer, this will come as a big surprise. It's an entertaining, but also moving and disturbing account of his time in the gloomy prisons of Venice and his extraordinary escape.
June 29, 2020
Don't die before reading
I'm quoting my GR friend BlackOxford (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...) on his reference to a different book, but listen -don't die before you read Casanova's adventures.
Fun fact: Casanova suffered from...cold feet.
I'm quoting my GR friend BlackOxford (https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...) on his reference to a different book, but listen -don't die before you read Casanova's adventures.
Fun fact: Casanova suffered from...cold feet.
February 6, 2020
26 Luglio 1755, Venezia, il trentenne Giacomo Casanova viene arrestato e tradotto nel carcere Veneziano dei "Piombi" senza saperne il perchè, trascorrerà li quasi un anno e mezzo, periodo in cui ordirà un piano di fuga rocambolesco che lo porterà a ritrovare l’agognata libertà.
"Fuga dai Piombi", pubblicato nel 1788, è una piacevole autobiografia di quella che fu la permanenza di Casanova nel carcere dei "Piombi", nello svolgersi del racconto, scritto in maniera fluida e a differenza del similare "Le mie prigioni" di Pellico, in un Italiano più moderno, affronteremo i patimenti, la voglia di libertà, lo scoramento per alcuni accadimenti improvvisi e psicologicamente devastanti sopraggiunti ma anche le speranze e la caparbietà di Casanova pronto a tutto pur di riavere quella libertà che senza una spiegazione gli era stata tolta, da sottolineare poi che non mancheranno anche alcuni momenti inaspettatamente comici che daranno al racconto quel brio in più per spezzare la cappa opprimente che un racconto sulla prigionia puó avere, conosceremo poi il rapporto burrascoso con Lorenzo, il custode della sua cella, vivremo fianco a fianco ai vari personaggi che a turno saranno rinchiusi con lui, un giovane parrucchiere Vicentino incarcerato per vendetta di un nobile la qual figlia si era innamorata di lui, Sgualdo Nobili, un usuraio, Soradaci, uno spione con cui passerà l’ultimo periodo di carcere e Marino Balbi un monaco, anch’esso incarcerato (e con il quale poi fuggirà) al piano di sopra rispetto al protagonista, con cui, attraverso un ingegnoso stratagemma, si scambierà delle lettere di nascosto.
Una volta liberi viaggeremo poi con i due fuggiaschi attraverso paesi e città per giungere in luoghi sicuri dove l’agognata libertà sarà finalmente riguadagnata a tutti gli effetti.
"Fuga dai Piombi" si è rivelato un ottimo racconto (anche se in alcune parti forse un pó inverosimile e un pizzico romanzato) capace di appassionare e mai noioso, una bella storia che oltre alla piacevole avventura risulta anche un interessante spaccato storico di ció che era la vita Veneziana e di un carcerato del diciottesimo secolo.
Avvincente.
"Fuga dai Piombi", pubblicato nel 1788, è una piacevole autobiografia di quella che fu la permanenza di Casanova nel carcere dei "Piombi", nello svolgersi del racconto, scritto in maniera fluida e a differenza del similare "Le mie prigioni" di Pellico, in un Italiano più moderno, affronteremo i patimenti, la voglia di libertà, lo scoramento per alcuni accadimenti improvvisi e psicologicamente devastanti sopraggiunti ma anche le speranze e la caparbietà di Casanova pronto a tutto pur di riavere quella libertà che senza una spiegazione gli era stata tolta, da sottolineare poi che non mancheranno anche alcuni momenti inaspettatamente comici che daranno al racconto quel brio in più per spezzare la cappa opprimente che un racconto sulla prigionia puó avere, conosceremo poi il rapporto burrascoso con Lorenzo, il custode della sua cella, vivremo fianco a fianco ai vari personaggi che a turno saranno rinchiusi con lui, un giovane parrucchiere Vicentino incarcerato per vendetta di un nobile la qual figlia si era innamorata di lui, Sgualdo Nobili, un usuraio, Soradaci, uno spione con cui passerà l’ultimo periodo di carcere e Marino Balbi un monaco, anch’esso incarcerato (e con il quale poi fuggirà) al piano di sopra rispetto al protagonista, con cui, attraverso un ingegnoso stratagemma, si scambierà delle lettere di nascosto.
Una volta liberi viaggeremo poi con i due fuggiaschi attraverso paesi e città per giungere in luoghi sicuri dove l’agognata libertà sarà finalmente riguadagnata a tutti gli effetti.
"Fuga dai Piombi" si è rivelato un ottimo racconto (anche se in alcune parti forse un pó inverosimile e un pizzico romanzato) capace di appassionare e mai noioso, una bella storia che oltre alla piacevole avventura risulta anche un interessante spaccato storico di ció che era la vita Veneziana e di un carcerato del diciottesimo secolo.
Avvincente.
August 11, 2025
“Les prediccions no fan que una cosa passi, sinò que la cosa, quan passa, confirma la predicció”.
3 ⭐️ per aquest clàssic del famós Giacomo Casanova, on ens explica en menys de 200 pàgines totes les aventures (i desventures) de la seva fuga de la prisió d’Els Ploms de Venécia. La lectura ha estat entretinguda i és fàcil, però pel meu gust l’autor no fa més que exalçar-se a ell mateix durant el relat i penso que hi ha coses que no son verídiques. No deixa de ser el “Pequeño Nicolas” de la época i és evident que hi ha coses que no te les pots creure del tot.
3 ⭐️ per aquest clàssic del famós Giacomo Casanova, on ens explica en menys de 200 pàgines totes les aventures (i desventures) de la seva fuga de la prisió d’Els Ploms de Venécia. La lectura ha estat entretinguda i és fàcil, però pel meu gust l’autor no fa més que exalçar-se a ell mateix durant el relat i penso que hi ha coses que no son verídiques. No deixa de ser el “Pequeño Nicolas” de la época i és evident que hi ha coses que no te les pots creure del tot.
January 28, 2014
I find myself wondering how to review a book which is a translation. The story itself is all the work of Casanova himself, whereas the translation is what has enabled me to read it. The tale is an unusual one, of the incarceration of a man known better for the exploits of his later life. He is thrown into a prison in the company of some bizarre fellow prisoners and wardens. It's the story of the ingenuity he used to effect an escape... eventually!
I found the old style of the language a little difficult to get to grips with. The sentences were, to my modern ear, over long and complex, but this was the style at the time. The translator has enabled this to be accessible today and it's certainly a good read.
I found the old style of the language a little difficult to get to grips with. The sentences were, to my modern ear, over long and complex, but this was the style at the time. The translator has enabled this to be accessible today and it's certainly a good read.
April 10, 2014
I really enjoyed The Story of My Escape. Casanova's understated humour and tenacity are entertaining in particular. The guy was kind of a genius. I'd like to thank the translator, Andrew K. Lawston, for introducing me to a delightful work I never would have encountered otherwise. I think he did a great job, and the notes he provided are helpful without overwhelming the text.
I would definitely recommend this to any of my book loving friends. Don't be scared off by Casanova's foreword, it is easily the densest part of the book. If you get through it you'll sail through the rest.
I would definitely recommend this to any of my book loving friends. Don't be scared off by Casanova's foreword, it is easily the densest part of the book. If you get through it you'll sail through the rest.
January 5, 2023
(7 Jahre nach der Lektüre ergänzt: Ich denke oft an dieses kurze Buch zurück. Es war eine ziemlich gute Gefängnisausbruch-Geschichte, und es wurde mir damals empfohlen mit der Begründung, dass man es auch lesen kann, wenn man nicht so gut vorankommt in französischen Büchern. Das stimmt.)
October 13, 2016
I bought this in San Marco Square in Venice, and read it while staying at the gorgeous Hotel Danieli and over aperitifs in the Square. Lovely!
November 29, 2023
Very interesting read and written with great humour, he'd be great fun to know now so he must of been a blast nearly 300 years ago!
March 18, 2025
I first bought this book ten years ago on a holiday to Italy. I remember reading it voraciously on the flight home. Rereading it now and I admit it hasn't lost any charm or humour . Just my boy Giacomo and his capers!
December 23, 2023
Giacomo tvb <3
February 20, 2025
Casanova is a hilarious quick witted guy and this book describes his account of escaping the leads. He comes across as very intelligent and funny. Loved it!
August 3, 2014
Quite riveting and difficult to put down, this episode of Casanova's autobiography details his time of imprisonment in Venice's 'The Leads' and renowned escape to Paris. The actual escape sequence is described wonderfully well, and is difficult to read without baited breath. As with the previous chapters, the writing style is quaint and charmingly evocative of the era without ever becoming inaccessible to a modern-day reader. He portrays the characters of his gaoler, his cellmates and accomplices quite perfectly, as he usually does, but this chapter benefits from featuring fewer non-essential characters and a more straightforward, more exciting plotline. 4.5/5
January 22, 2019
Casanova is said to be the only person ever to escape from the Doge's Palace in Venice — and what a great one it was, becoming one of the most famous escapes in history. Throughout this book, you get to know a man - widely thought of as a libertine, womanizer and who was lead only by his own gratification and pleasure -, that was more versatile and captivating than that; Reducing him to that stereotype serves to prove you've never been given the honor to explore this man's history, which he perfectly describes in his memories. This is a tense story about a man desperate for freedom, which I found surprisingly difficult to put down. Passionate, as always.
September 17, 2017
Casanova's description of his escape was vivid and at times intense, however, I wonder whether or not the translation was what dragged it down from a literal standpoint or if it's truly his writing that is at times weirdly repetitive.
July 22, 2011
Passionnant. Ce Casanova était un rude coquin plein de ressources, et le récit de cette évasion est haletante.
March 14, 2025
Читал эти мемуары в Венеции с целью погрузиться в атмосферу города. Как мне кажется Казанова - отличный проводник для этого, а эта работа примечательна описанием системы инкизиции в Венецианской республике и описанием страстей, которые преобладали в Республике через раскрытие характеров разных преступников. Сам Казанова предстаёт блистательным мыслителем и бесстрашным героем. Некоторые его религиозно-философс��ие размышления мне особенно пришлись по вкусу.
"но, что называют религиозными чувствами, часто является на деле лишь чистой трусостью"
"Я ежеминутно полагался на милосердие Божье. Вольнодумцы, утверждающие, что от молитвы нет пользы, сами не знают, что говорят: я уверен, что всякий раз, помолившись Богу, чувствовал себя сильнее. Что ещё требуется, чтобы признать силу молитв? Если веришь в Бога, он должен вмешиваться во все. Те, кто исповедуют какую-либо религию, способны свершить большее, чем люди неверующие. Первые мало в ней разбираются, зато последние вообще ничего не понимают."
"я горжусь тем, что все придумал сам, однако тщеславие моё связано не с тем, чего мне удалось добиться, а с тем, что я посчитал свой план выполнимым и мне достало смелости его осуществить."
"я жаждал выйти отсюда - это все, что я знал, и думал лишь о том, что нужно все время двигаться вперёд и остановиться лишь в том случае, если на пути возникнет непреодолимое препятствие. Я где-то читал, что не следует рассуждать относительно великих начинаний, а нужно попросту осуществлять их, не пытаясь оспаривать у фортуны ту власть, которую она имеет над всеми людскими деяниями."
"но, что называют религиозными чувствами, часто является на деле лишь чистой трусостью"
"Я ежеминутно полагался на милосердие Божье. Вольнодумцы, утверждающие, что от молитвы нет пользы, сами не знают, что говорят: я уверен, что всякий раз, помолившись Богу, чувствовал себя сильнее. Что ещё требуется, чтобы признать силу молитв? Если веришь в Бога, он должен вмешиваться во все. Те, кто исповедуют какую-либо религию, способны свершить большее, чем люди неверующие. Первые мало в ней разбираются, зато последние вообще ничего не понимают."
"я горжусь тем, что все придумал сам, однако тщеславие моё связано не с тем, чего мне удалось добиться, а с тем, что я посчитал свой план выполнимым и мне достало смелости его осуществить."
"я жаждал выйти отсюда - это все, что я знал, и думал лишь о том, что нужно все время двигаться вперёд и остановиться лишь в том случае, если на пути возникнет непреодолимое препятствие. Я где-то читал, что не следует рассуждать относительно великих начинаний, а нужно попросту осуществлять их, не пытаясь оспаривать у фортуны ту власть, которую она имеет над всеми людскими деяниями."
May 14, 2024
Palo. Simplemente eso, un palo. Un libro de la ostia. Muy entretenido, con mucha acción, movido, etc. Cuando vi que metía alguna cita en latín dije: "que puta mierda es esta". Pero al fin y al cabo eso le da un toque. Me encanta como está redactado el libro. Además, esa es mi época histórica favorita y me apasiona como era la vida en ese momento. Después de leer este libro deseo haber nacido como un campesino o artesano en el año 1765 el algún lugar de Europa. 100% recomendable. Seguramente me lea algún libro más suyo para ver a que se refiere Lola Índigo con: "parece un gángster es mi Casanova".
November 25, 2024
"I still believe today that when a man gets it in his head to work out a plan, and concentrates on nothing else, he must manage in spite of any difficulties."
This book turned out to be much more humorous than I expected.
Did I find myself charmed by the Giacomo Casanova? Yes.
Did I relate to his occasionally offensive inner monologues? Also yes.
Despite the grim reality of Casanova’s imprisonment, his vivid descriptions of life in the Doge’s Palace prison and the narrow escape that followed are nothing short of riveting.
Having recently toured the Doge’s Palace, I regret not reading this book beforehand. It would have added a whole new dimension to exploring the palace and its oppressive prison cells. That said, reading it afterward gave me a deeper appreciation for the palace’s history and the harrowing conditions endured by its prisoners.
This is not just a historical account of one man's extraordinary escape, but a narrative filled with personality, wit, and mischief, making it an incredibly compelling read.
This book turned out to be much more humorous than I expected.
Did I find myself charmed by the Giacomo Casanova? Yes.
Did I relate to his occasionally offensive inner monologues? Also yes.
Despite the grim reality of Casanova’s imprisonment, his vivid descriptions of life in the Doge’s Palace prison and the narrow escape that followed are nothing short of riveting.
Having recently toured the Doge’s Palace, I regret not reading this book beforehand. It would have added a whole new dimension to exploring the palace and its oppressive prison cells. That said, reading it afterward gave me a deeper appreciation for the palace’s history and the harrowing conditions endured by its prisoners.
This is not just a historical account of one man's extraordinary escape, but a narrative filled with personality, wit, and mischief, making it an incredibly compelling read.
May 19, 2019
Stydím se za sebe, měla jsem za to, že Casanova je fiktivní postava jako Don Juan prostě... Ještě že jsme se o tomto pánovi na naší úžasné škole učili a já již nikoho nemohu mystifikovat! Jeho Historie o útěku byla velmi zajímavá a mohu říct, že bych ji ráda dostala u zkoušky za otázku. Casanova píše poutavě, jednoduše a nepoužívá vlastně asi vůbec přímou řeč. Knize to ale vůbec nevadí, přece jen je to taková jeho autobiografie. A ten jeho útěk je fakt zajímavej! :D
Jo a pokud tady čekáte nějaké čuňačinky, tak na to rovnou zapomeňte..
Jo a pokud tady čekáte nějaké čuňačinky, tak na to rovnou zapomeňte..
January 16, 2026
I really enjoyed this read! I found it challenging because I didn’t know a lot of the context of it- it had been a while since I’d studied anything in the 18th century. However, I learned a lot about the prison system in Europe because I kept looking up things about it as I was reading. I think this book definitely deserves a movie adaptation, as there was action and comedy throughout. To me, it’s crazy that all this actually happened at one point in time. Such a good read! I’m still processing everything.
June 24, 2022
I enjoyed this book. I visited the prison in Venice and took a tour of the doge’s palace and was interested to learn about the tribunal and inquisitors. I’m going to read a bit more about this escape, but I will say it was a fun read. Casanova is an entertaining writer who dispenses wisdom and humor in these pages. It was a fun read during my time in Italy.
March 8, 2020
I had heard the term “Casanova” used many times throughout my life, but it wasn’t until just a few years ago that I learned that Casanova was a person. Reading his story, specifically his retelling of his prison escape, really brought him alive for me. I would definitely recommend.
April 2, 2021
Preso dalle iconiche memorie di Casanova.
Non stanchera mai l'appassionato del '700.
Non stanchera mai l'appassionato del '700.
October 12, 2023
Narrazione avvincente e mai noiosa per quanto tocca di dettagli. Pazzesco che sia una storia vera!
November 19, 2023
The art of storytelling. Casanova brings joy and passion to one of the most crazy adventures that has Venice's prison as scenario.
August 28, 2024
Ti amo Casanova!! Maybe one of the smartest people to have ever lived?
Merci d’avoir fait le témoignage de ta fuite en français
Merci d’avoir fait le témoignage de ta fuite en français
November 1, 2024
Divertit i lleuger. Entre la novel·la carcerària i la d'aventures.
March 13, 2025
Absolutament genial. El caràcter potent, valgut, enginyós, també una mica fatxenda, però sempre molt intel·ligent, i els fets narrats, a vegades heroics, a vegades delirants.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews