Seductive Venice: In Casanova's Footsteps

by Kathleen Ann Gonzalez

For the lover of history and an interest in the life of "The World's Greatest Lover" this book is a wonderful walking tour of Venice that follows in the footsteps of Casanova. It is witty and interesting, as well as provides the reader with a map into the secret pathways that were once the familiar stomping grounds of this unique individual.

147 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2012

Reviews

[Stephen Tritto · Rating 5 out of 5]

I purchased this book after reading A Beautiful Woman in Venice, this author’s fascinating collection of true stories about Venetian women of another era who had a profound influence on their society and ours. This book is quite different, but well worth the read. It is an interesting blend of travelogue, scholarship and carefully researched scheming, duplicity and gossip. While Venice is the setting, Casanova is the subject. Like many, I had stored only his name and notoriety in my mind. I gave him no more mental space than Captain Hook, Don Juan or Billy the Kid. I was totally unaware of the roller coaster life he lived partly as beloved guest, scoundrel, entrepreneur, rake, scholar and rejected felon who lived his last thirteen years in the Czech Republic. He amassed great wealth and spent it all, seemingly with no regrets. He and a fellow prisoner are the only two people to ever escape from The Leads, the dreaded prison in the Doge’s castle. Even friends (and lovers) who were disappointed by him could not help but retain a soft spot for this often charming man. One royal friend summarized Casanova’s life this way: “He loved everything, coveted everything and after having possessed everything, he knew how to get along on nothing.”

Casanova translated the Iliad, published numerous works, wrote plays, and founded a theatrical magazine. He studied medicine, chemistry, law and philosophy, debated with Voltaire and had an audience with Catherine the Great of Russia. He was no ordinary womanizer and scoundrel and González’s first rate writing brings the full character to life. While presenting his attributes she doesn’t overlook his vanity when for example she writes about his imprisonment during which “he despaired, he wailed, he threw himself along the floor (after first wrapping his hair in a kerchief).” Casanova’s story begs the question: What would his life been like if he pursued only honorable goals? We don’t know the answer, but it’s likely that we wouldn’t be reading about him 200 hundred years after his death.

Kathleen Ann González’s love of Venice comes through loud and clear in her writing. Her research is remarkable. Her presentation and storytelling is even better. I’m sure Casanova would have enjoyed having tea with her at one of the Venetian literary salons he frequented.

Stephen Tritto, Author of Taking Flight

[Roger Feuerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

True experience. A few weeks ago I took Ms. Gonzalez’s book to Venice. One afternoon
“I walked in Casanova’s footsteps”, letting her guide me through narrow alleyways in a seductive search of a café Casanova haunted around 1750 called Do Spade. And there it was. Very cool. Next time I’ll do it at night, wearing a tricorne hat and mask.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book - well-researched, well-written, informational, funny, even sometimes titillating. It is not the usual "here's how you see all the great spots in Venice in one day" book. It will take you to both quiet corners and great spots all while feeding you fascinating bits of history and making the buildings in which they happened alive. The book made me want to drop everything and go to Venice now.

[Joanne Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a huge lover of Venice, I'm always looking for places off the well-beaten tourist trail, as these give much more of an insight into the real Venice and the lives of its inhabitants. This book doubles as both a history lesson and a guide book, as a series of walking tours reveal not only hidden corners of this incredible city, but also take the reader back in time to the days of Casanova, offering a fascinating insight into his life, loves and escapades!

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although I've never traveled in Venice, I was fascinated and intrigued by the life of Casanova. Mine's was an armchair adventure through history... I thoroughly enjoyed this book!!!