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History of My Life #1
History of My Life, Vols. I & II
In volumes 1 and 2, Casanova tells the story of his family, his first loves, and his early travels. With the death of his grandmother, he is sent to a seminary--but is soon expelled. He is briefly imprisoned in the fortress of Sant' Andrea. After wandering from Naples to Rome in search of a patron, he enters the service of Cardinal Acquaviva.
About this edition: Because every previous edition of Casanova's "Memoirs" had been abridged to suppress the author's political and religious views and tame his vivid, often racy, style, the literary world considered it a major event when Willard R. Trask's translation of the complete original text was published in six double volumes between 1966 and 1971. Trask's award-winning translation now appears in paperback for the first time.
About this edition: Because every previous edition of Casanova's "Memoirs" had been abridged to suppress the author's political and religious views and tame his vivid, often racy, style, the literary world considered it a major event when Willard R. Trask's translation of the complete original text was published in six double volumes between 1966 and 1971. Trask's award-winning translation now appears in paperback for the first time.
728 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1794
68 people are currently reading
1265 people want to read
About the author
Giacomo Casanova
1,424 books272 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
October 25, 2016
Bugger all on the interweb about Trask really, which seems a serious shame. For example (from the bits and pieces I have been able to find):
"Translator and scholar Willard Trask was the private secretary to Ford Madox Ford. Although he was self-educated, he was a National Book Award winner and a recipient of Bollingen grants for work in medieval and primitive poetry."
and
"Willard Trask, the son of American parents, was born in 1900 in Berlin and died on August 10 1980 in New York City. Because his father was an engineer who travelled widely, Trask lived in Germany, France, Russia, England and Panama before the age of ten. He attended Harvard University, but dropped out and moved to France to study medieval poetry. Returning to the United States during the Depression, Trask supported himself “by odd jobs in the sewers of literature” until an editor suggested he try translation. Thereafter he translated works from Spanish, French, Portuguese, German, Italian, Chinese, Finnish, Catalan and Wendish. "
https://www.goodreads.com/search?q=wi... gives you a taste of his range and achievement.
and
“I have learned since his death more than a decade ago that Willard, like Casanova, had numerous inamoratas. There is, in fact, a certain class of Manhattan woman now in her late sixties, attractive, sophisticated, and on her own, who when I meet her at a party or some such, I am almost always certain to wonder if she was not one of Willard’s lovers. I will simply ask, “Did you ever know a gentleman named Willard Trask?” and watch for the lingering grainy afterglow recede from their faces after all these years. Willard truly seemed to have made his way among the women of New York, and I have never hear any one of them speak bitterly about him.”
and this from the more recent translator of Cas, which does little but make me want to give him a slap (I do not think I need to highlight the particularly egregious sentences):
"Casanova was a particularly interesting case because, as an 18th-century Italian writing in French, his style is full of Italianate quirks and tics that are utterly foreign to the simplicity of 18th-century French. I tended to clean up his prose, however, in the translation, especially since there’s already a complete translation, by Willard Trask, of his immense, 3,000-page Story of My Life that renders his style pretty much the way it was written, and I find it for the most part unreadable. Ours was a selection (about 600 pp., Penguin Classics) of several outstanding episodes from the Story of My Life, and we decided to make it as readable as possible for the contemporary audience. (I say “we” because I translated it in collaboration with my wife, Sophie Hawkes, though I did the lion’s share of the work.)"
"Translator and scholar Willard Trask was the private secretary to Ford Madox Ford. Although he was self-educated, he was a National Book Award winner and a recipient of Bollingen grants for work in medieval and primitive poetry."
and
"Willard Trask, the son of American parents, was born in 1900 in Berlin and died on August 10 1980 in New York City. Because his father was an engineer who travelled widely, Trask lived in Germany, France, Russia, England and Panama before the age of ten. He attended Harvard University, but dropped out and moved to France to study medieval poetry. Returning to the United States during the Depression, Trask supported himself “by odd jobs in the sewers of literature” until an editor suggested he try translation. Thereafter he translated works from Spanish, French, Portuguese, German, Italian, Chinese, Finnish, Catalan and Wendish. "
https://www.goodreads.com/search?q=wi... gives you a taste of his range and achievement.
and
“I have learned since his death more than a decade ago that Willard, like Casanova, had numerous inamoratas. There is, in fact, a certain class of Manhattan woman now in her late sixties, attractive, sophisticated, and on her own, who when I meet her at a party or some such, I am almost always certain to wonder if she was not one of Willard’s lovers. I will simply ask, “Did you ever know a gentleman named Willard Trask?” and watch for the lingering grainy afterglow recede from their faces after all these years. Willard truly seemed to have made his way among the women of New York, and I have never hear any one of them speak bitterly about him.”
and this from the more recent translator of Cas, which does little but make me want to give him a slap (I do not think I need to highlight the particularly egregious sentences):
"Casanova was a particularly interesting case because, as an 18th-century Italian writing in French, his style is full of Italianate quirks and tics that are utterly foreign to the simplicity of 18th-century French. I tended to clean up his prose, however, in the translation, especially since there’s already a complete translation, by Willard Trask, of his immense, 3,000-page Story of My Life that renders his style pretty much the way it was written, and I find it for the most part unreadable. Ours was a selection (about 600 pp., Penguin Classics) of several outstanding episodes from the Story of My Life, and we decided to make it as readable as possible for the contemporary audience. (I say “we” because I translated it in collaboration with my wife, Sophie Hawkes, though I did the lion’s share of the work.)"
May 23, 2008
One of my all-time favorite writers and human beings. I am not even sure if what he's writing the truth or not - and to be honest I don't care. This is part one of a seven volume set. For those who just want to dip their toes into Casanova's bath water - check out the Penguin edition which is sort of like a greatest hits package. But do put your toe in, because for sure you will put the whole foot, then the legs, and those nasty parts as well.
February 29, 2020
Well, this was not what I expected it to be. Casanova's memories are actually quite interesting. Yes, Casanova can be a little self-centered and he does brag about his love adventures a lot (that will not really be a surprise to any reader considering that Casanova's name is synonymous with womanizer- and his memoirs are the reason for it). However, when describing society and individuals surrounding him, Casanova has a very keen eye and is not without a sense of humour.
Casanova’s frankness makes the study of that historical period very interesting. There is just something refreshing in how candid the writer is, sometimes even making fun of himself. Not too often though, he is not too humble. Always feeling an aversion to false humility (and true humility is very rare) I didn’t mind Casanova’s self confidence even if it borders on obnoxious most of the time. To me Casanova seems one of those people that get away with almost everything because of their charisma- and there are worse reasons for someone getting away with something. After all, charisma is a quality or some sort. The man wasn't without his qualities, it seems. Was Casanova enamored in himself? Undoubtedly, he was and yet he was also an interesting man.
As I said, I’m not certain how much of what is described is actually true, in my opinion some parts of it are definitely fiction not memory, and by that I mostly mean his adventurous with women, they seem to me a product of an erotically imaginative mind. Nevertheless, what memoir is completely true? Humans are always subjective when it comes to judging themselves. Anyway, I would say that Casanova’s memoir is a mix of fact and fiction. You could also call it a mix between soap opera and genuine past events. Probably there are those who will especially like those episodes that I suspect to be a work of fiction and enjoy in this imaginatively interpreted part of his past. Probably there will be those who will be appealed by them. What I found interesting is Casanova's social commentary that seemed quite intelligent at times.
Despite the fact that I can't possibly believe that everything written in Casanova's memoirs is true, I still enjoyed reading this first volume of his memoirs and I'll probably read the rest of them. It was better than I expected. This first volume deals with his childhood and early youth. As a child Casanova’s is very sensitive, marked by the absence of mother (an actress) that perhaps explains his constant need for female affection. As a young man, Casanova already has a very adventurous sort of spirit and a keen eye.…but that’s about as far as I have get. I’ll have to read the rest to see what kind of man he turned out to be.
Casanova’s frankness makes the study of that historical period very interesting. There is just something refreshing in how candid the writer is, sometimes even making fun of himself. Not too often though, he is not too humble. Always feeling an aversion to false humility (and true humility is very rare) I didn’t mind Casanova’s self confidence even if it borders on obnoxious most of the time. To me Casanova seems one of those people that get away with almost everything because of their charisma- and there are worse reasons for someone getting away with something. After all, charisma is a quality or some sort. The man wasn't without his qualities, it seems. Was Casanova enamored in himself? Undoubtedly, he was and yet he was also an interesting man.
As I said, I’m not certain how much of what is described is actually true, in my opinion some parts of it are definitely fiction not memory, and by that I mostly mean his adventurous with women, they seem to me a product of an erotically imaginative mind. Nevertheless, what memoir is completely true? Humans are always subjective when it comes to judging themselves. Anyway, I would say that Casanova’s memoir is a mix of fact and fiction. You could also call it a mix between soap opera and genuine past events. Probably there are those who will especially like those episodes that I suspect to be a work of fiction and enjoy in this imaginatively interpreted part of his past. Probably there will be those who will be appealed by them. What I found interesting is Casanova's social commentary that seemed quite intelligent at times.
Despite the fact that I can't possibly believe that everything written in Casanova's memoirs is true, I still enjoyed reading this first volume of his memoirs and I'll probably read the rest of them. It was better than I expected. This first volume deals with his childhood and early youth. As a child Casanova’s is very sensitive, marked by the absence of mother (an actress) that perhaps explains his constant need for female affection. As a young man, Casanova already has a very adventurous sort of spirit and a keen eye.…but that’s about as far as I have get. I’ll have to read the rest to see what kind of man he turned out to be.
May 18, 2014
When a guy seems tragic because of a crippling indecisiveness, we say, "That guy's like Hamlet." When a guy seems heroic because of an otherworldly seductiveness, we say, "That guy's a Casanova."
Hamlet--a fictional character--is a simile, an individual. Casanova--a historical figure--is a metaphor, an entire category.
This is Casanova's greatest achievement, his most otherworldly seduction: through his memoirs, as a writer, he convinces us to join him, even to become him, in his escapades.
When Nabokov wrote Lolita (the story of another licentious writer and seducer) he had this power in mind. He examined the limits of a writer's ability to seduce his audience and he found that, all too often, if the writer is good enough, there are no limits. A significant proportion of Lolita readers still fail to locate the crime in Humbert's "love."
I have no doubt that a proper revisionist history will prove that Casanova was also a criminal. Yet reading Casanova's History doesn't make me feel so icky.
Let's face it...the guy's good.
Hamlet--a fictional character--is a simile, an individual. Casanova--a historical figure--is a metaphor, an entire category.
This is Casanova's greatest achievement, his most otherworldly seduction: through his memoirs, as a writer, he convinces us to join him, even to become him, in his escapades.
When Nabokov wrote Lolita (the story of another licentious writer and seducer) he had this power in mind. He examined the limits of a writer's ability to seduce his audience and he found that, all too often, if the writer is good enough, there are no limits. A significant proportion of Lolita readers still fail to locate the crime in Humbert's "love."
I have no doubt that a proper revisionist history will prove that Casanova was also a criminal. Yet reading Casanova's History doesn't make me feel so icky.
Let's face it...the guy's good.
Read
March 30, 2014OMG, I'm only 50 pages in an this is one of my favorite books ever!
February 21, 2024
Casanova as a boy of 8 to 12 was astute, and as he grew conducted himself as one with a good head on his shoulders would. He was an adventurous boy, an abbé, a lover, a soldier, a prisoner, a fiancé, a theatrical manager, a musician; one who eats hair out of love, one who contracts STD and survives only to never learn from his mistake(s)... several times in fact, and he was only twenty(!); a man who is sometimes poor but often rich, and who learnt that people treat you differently based on how deep your pockets are.
His tale is interesting, hysterical, and his escapades are almost too good to be true. I'm reading a translation from the original. I wouldn't describe it as beautiful, thought provoking material, and I think he didn't intend to write it as such either. It qualifies as palate cleanser in between my serious classics.
"An object really beautiful ought to seem beautiful to all whose eyes fall upon it. That is all; there is nothing more to be said."
"Man is free; yet we must not suppose that he is at liberty to do everything he pleases, for he becomes a slave the moment he allows his actions to be ruled by passion. The man who has sufficient power over himself to wait until his nature has recovered its even balance is the truly wise man, but such beings are seldom met with."
"It is only necessary to have courage, for strength without self-confidence is useless."
"As to the deceit perpetrated upon women, let it pass, for, when love is in the way, men and women as a general rule dupe each other."
"I cannot think without a shudder of contracting any obligation towards death: I hate death; for, happy or miserable, life is the only blessing which man possesses, and those who do not love it are unworthy of it. If we prefer honour to life, it is because life is blighted by infamy; and if, in the alternative, man sometimes throws away his life, philosophy must remain silent."
If you don't read author's preface and gets shocked with the content, it is entirely your fault because "everyone ought to know that a preface is to a book what the play-bill is to a comedy; both must be read."
"Most likely the reading of a certain class of novels causes the ruin of a great many young girls, but I am of the opinion that from good romances they acquire graceful manners and a knowledge of society."
In telling a story, including truths that tell against you is "a simple secret that many men do not know, because the larger portion of humankind is composed of cowards; a man who always tells the truth must be possessed of great moral courage. I believe that a guilty man, who candidly speaks the truth to his judge, has a better chance of being acquitted, than the innocent man who hesitates and evades true statements." Pg 162
"...I must confess that the thoughts which have their origin in misfortune are not without some advantage to a young man, for they give him the habit of thinking, and the man who does not think never does anything right." pg 216
"Cheating is a crime, but honest cunning may be considered as a species of prudence. True, it is a quality which is near akin to roguery; but that cannot be helped, and the man who, in time of need, does not know how to exercise his cunning nobly is a fool." Pg 225
"...if your duty bids you to conceal the cause of your bad humour, it also bids you not to shew it. Delicacy sometimes enforces upon a polite gentleman the necessity of concealing certain feelings which might implicate either himself or others; it is a restraint for the mind, I confess, but it has some advantage when it's effect is to render more amiable the man who forces himself to accept that restraint." Advocate's wife to Casanova, Pg 250
"To lose a passport is a misfortune which befalls only a thoughtless, giddy man, and the cardinal will for the future know better than to put his confidence in a giddy fellow like you." General to Casanova, pg 363
"You may safely bet a hundred to one that a young man who has once lost his purse or his passport, will not lose either a second time. Each of those misfortunes has befallen me once only, and I might have been very often the victim of them, if experience had not taught me how much they were to be dreaded. A thoughtless fellow is a man who has not yet found the word "dread" in the dictionary of his life." Pg 366 - he should have applied this dread to STD too.
Casanova should see the stats we have today: evidence shows you are wealthier if you are married, marriage benefits men more than it does women, and it also shows that women initiate divorce 70 percent of the time.
In choosing to be intimate with the two sisters again after giving his word to Thérèse for marriage he says his "love for Thérèse was all the same, brilliant in my soul: this was a passing infidelity, but not inconstancy." - Clever fox!
"Pleasures which give activity to our senses, my dear son, disturb the repose of our soul - a proof that they do not deserve the name of real enjoyments." Yusuf Ali, a Turk, to Casanova.
"Time given to pleasure is never time lost, madam; the only time which a young man wastes is that which is consumed in weariness, because when he is prey to ennui he is likely to fall a prey to love, and to be despised by the object of his affection." Casanova to his employer's wife, in Corfu.
Words: oppilative - archaic for obstructive/ constipating, onnanism!
His tale is interesting, hysterical, and his escapades are almost too good to be true. I'm reading a translation from the original. I wouldn't describe it as beautiful, thought provoking material, and I think he didn't intend to write it as such either. It qualifies as palate cleanser in between my serious classics.
"An object really beautiful ought to seem beautiful to all whose eyes fall upon it. That is all; there is nothing more to be said."
"Man is free; yet we must not suppose that he is at liberty to do everything he pleases, for he becomes a slave the moment he allows his actions to be ruled by passion. The man who has sufficient power over himself to wait until his nature has recovered its even balance is the truly wise man, but such beings are seldom met with."
"It is only necessary to have courage, for strength without self-confidence is useless."
"As to the deceit perpetrated upon women, let it pass, for, when love is in the way, men and women as a general rule dupe each other."
"I cannot think without a shudder of contracting any obligation towards death: I hate death; for, happy or miserable, life is the only blessing which man possesses, and those who do not love it are unworthy of it. If we prefer honour to life, it is because life is blighted by infamy; and if, in the alternative, man sometimes throws away his life, philosophy must remain silent."
If you don't read author's preface and gets shocked with the content, it is entirely your fault because "everyone ought to know that a preface is to a book what the play-bill is to a comedy; both must be read."
"Most likely the reading of a certain class of novels causes the ruin of a great many young girls, but I am of the opinion that from good romances they acquire graceful manners and a knowledge of society."
In telling a story, including truths that tell against you is "a simple secret that many men do not know, because the larger portion of humankind is composed of cowards; a man who always tells the truth must be possessed of great moral courage. I believe that a guilty man, who candidly speaks the truth to his judge, has a better chance of being acquitted, than the innocent man who hesitates and evades true statements." Pg 162
"...I must confess that the thoughts which have their origin in misfortune are not without some advantage to a young man, for they give him the habit of thinking, and the man who does not think never does anything right." pg 216
"Cheating is a crime, but honest cunning may be considered as a species of prudence. True, it is a quality which is near akin to roguery; but that cannot be helped, and the man who, in time of need, does not know how to exercise his cunning nobly is a fool." Pg 225
"...if your duty bids you to conceal the cause of your bad humour, it also bids you not to shew it. Delicacy sometimes enforces upon a polite gentleman the necessity of concealing certain feelings which might implicate either himself or others; it is a restraint for the mind, I confess, but it has some advantage when it's effect is to render more amiable the man who forces himself to accept that restraint." Advocate's wife to Casanova, Pg 250
"To lose a passport is a misfortune which befalls only a thoughtless, giddy man, and the cardinal will for the future know better than to put his confidence in a giddy fellow like you." General to Casanova, pg 363
"You may safely bet a hundred to one that a young man who has once lost his purse or his passport, will not lose either a second time. Each of those misfortunes has befallen me once only, and I might have been very often the victim of them, if experience had not taught me how much they were to be dreaded. A thoughtless fellow is a man who has not yet found the word "dread" in the dictionary of his life." Pg 366 - he should have applied this dread to STD too.
Casanova should see the stats we have today: evidence shows you are wealthier if you are married, marriage benefits men more than it does women, and it also shows that women initiate divorce 70 percent of the time.
In choosing to be intimate with the two sisters again after giving his word to Thérèse for marriage he says his "love for Thérèse was all the same, brilliant in my soul: this was a passing infidelity, but not inconstancy." - Clever fox!
"Pleasures which give activity to our senses, my dear son, disturb the repose of our soul - a proof that they do not deserve the name of real enjoyments." Yusuf Ali, a Turk, to Casanova.
"Time given to pleasure is never time lost, madam; the only time which a young man wastes is that which is consumed in weariness, because when he is prey to ennui he is likely to fall a prey to love, and to be despised by the object of his affection." Casanova to his employer's wife, in Corfu.
Words: oppilative - archaic for obstructive/ constipating, onnanism!
July 8, 2015
I listened to this on audio read by my darling Benedict Cumberbatch. I did enjoy the story, but I really enjoyed it read by him.
July 27, 2025
Casanova, inspired perhaps by the memoirs of Giacomo Casanova
8.6 out of 10
In the age of MeToo, surely we cannot appreciate a film, or anything for that matter, that centers on the figure of the paradigm of the infatuated, reckless, macho, sexist male.
Casanova was the ultimate serial seducer, the quintessential image of the man who benefits from his privileged position, taking advantage of women who most often, if not always, could not defend their honor or themselves from this Predator.
And yet, this romantic, comical look at some of the adventures of the serial lover proposes a different perspective.
First off, he may be redeemed and resurrected, brought from the dead - the realm of those without a heart - by...Love.
In this sense,the motion picture can be educational.
Indeed, there are some clever, amusing, witty exchanges between Casanova aka the formidable, late Heath Ledger and Francesca aka the talented Sienna Miller.
Francesca is in fact the representative of the early feminist movement, as an energizing, strong, brave, driven, intelligent, fulminating, creative woman.
She not only talks with Casanova about the meaning of love,if we can call amorous affairs that involve only the senses, but she makes the hero Feel the real passion and admiration for her.
There are a series of unfortunate, but also comical, events, for the Ultimate Lover is wanted by the authorities.
The most dangerous of all is the representative of the Catholic Church, in Inquisition mood at the time, Pucci aka the Master Jeremy Irons.
Oliver Platt has a remarkable performance as Paprizzio, a magnate of lard, destined to marry Francesca and thus the one to ruin the plot for us...if all goes according to plan that is.
Omid Djalili is outstanding as Lupo, the man servant of Casanova, a sort of court jester and Sancho, loyal, jocular and wise...not always, but often.
The rising standards of the age would probably send this romantic comedy in the 'accused' file, to be ignored by future generations...
Well, it is a pleasant feature, but not a historical achievement.
8.6 out of 10
In the age of MeToo, surely we cannot appreciate a film, or anything for that matter, that centers on the figure of the paradigm of the infatuated, reckless, macho, sexist male.
Casanova was the ultimate serial seducer, the quintessential image of the man who benefits from his privileged position, taking advantage of women who most often, if not always, could not defend their honor or themselves from this Predator.
And yet, this romantic, comical look at some of the adventures of the serial lover proposes a different perspective.
First off, he may be redeemed and resurrected, brought from the dead - the realm of those without a heart - by...Love.
In this sense,the motion picture can be educational.
Indeed, there are some clever, amusing, witty exchanges between Casanova aka the formidable, late Heath Ledger and Francesca aka the talented Sienna Miller.
Francesca is in fact the representative of the early feminist movement, as an energizing, strong, brave, driven, intelligent, fulminating, creative woman.
She not only talks with Casanova about the meaning of love,if we can call amorous affairs that involve only the senses, but she makes the hero Feel the real passion and admiration for her.
There are a series of unfortunate, but also comical, events, for the Ultimate Lover is wanted by the authorities.
The most dangerous of all is the representative of the Catholic Church, in Inquisition mood at the time, Pucci aka the Master Jeremy Irons.
Oliver Platt has a remarkable performance as Paprizzio, a magnate of lard, destined to marry Francesca and thus the one to ruin the plot for us...if all goes according to plan that is.
Omid Djalili is outstanding as Lupo, the man servant of Casanova, a sort of court jester and Sancho, loyal, jocular and wise...not always, but often.
The rising standards of the age would probably send this romantic comedy in the 'accused' file, to be ignored by future generations...
Well, it is a pleasant feature, but not a historical achievement.
November 7, 2022
Just returned from Italy where our guide spoke of Casanova and mentioned this book. Who knew it was over 1000 pages, all in 8 pt type! And this was just volume 1. Read some and was able to find the chapter about his escape from the prison in Venice-interesting but no way was I going to read the entire book.
September 1, 2014
Trask’s unabridged version runs to six double volumes and Casanova’s voice speaks clearly across nearly 300 years,
‘…I was in all my life the victim of my senses; I have delighted in going astray and I have constantly lived in error, with no other consolation than that of knowing I have erred.’
Unfortunately Casanova’s name has become synonymous with philanderers and libertines everywhere. Perhaps this is because every translation prior to Willard Trask’s version was abridged or condensed to censor Casanova’s previously unacceptable religious views, his radical political views or his erotic musings.
Casanova recorded his life as he lived it. He wrote constantly - on the run, in prisons, carriages, palaces, low dives and grand hotels - but it wasn’t until 1789 in retirement that he started his memoirs. And so we leave his Preface and plunge across Europe, beginning with his birthplace in Venice and winding up in Count Waldstein’s Chateau in Bohemia.
It is one hell of a wild ride as Casanova practiced many professions including that of charlatan and gambler. He was at times a soldier, a spy, a preacher, a professional writer, a violinist, a silk manufacturer, a lottery director and an alchemist. Casanova met many intellectuals including Voltaire, Rousseau, d’Alembert and Crebillon in Paris, George III in London, Louis XV at Fontainebleau, Catherine the Great at St. Petersburg, Benedict XII at Rome, Joseph II at Vienna and Frederick the Great at Sans-Souci.
Casanova lived by his wits and considerable talents and as he spoke his mind, banishment and imprisonment became a regular part of his life. Casanova was the first prisoner to ever escape the notorious prison in Venice, The Leads. He had been incarcerated there by the Venetian State Inquisitors.
Casanova revelled in the high life of Europe’s best courts as well as having genuine friendships with those deemed to be social degenerates – actors, dancers, musicians and other creatives. He found lovers in every social strata: servant girls, dancers, Countesses, shop girls, Duchesses and aristocrats in the courts of Europe. He accepted women as equals, made sure they were satisfied sexually and was non judgmental. Frequently his women preyed on his natural generosity and ruthlessly fleeced him.
Having decided that, ‘Marriage is the tomb of love.’ he never marries and later has regrets. Was he the cold hearted seducer of his legend? Occasionally he was but he was also an astute observer of character and the portraits he draws of his lovers are in the round. He brings them alive for the reader and it is their conversation and character that brings him to his knees and by his own admission makes him their dupe.
Casanova had a wonderful sense of the ridiculous and is honest about his personal failings. His pride frequently gets him into diabolical situations as he has the unfortunate habit of using his wit to rub his enemies up the wrong way. He was quick to draw his sword and pink those who had the temerity to insult him. Many of his dealings are dodgy and the reader gets the impression that Casanova isn't owning up to all the amoral things he has done for money. The chapters dealing with his fleecing of a gullible aristocrat are deliciously wicked.
Some may find Casanova's memoirs a hard read but personally I find the complexity, intricate detail and humour an absolute delight.
‘…I was in all my life the victim of my senses; I have delighted in going astray and I have constantly lived in error, with no other consolation than that of knowing I have erred.’
Unfortunately Casanova’s name has become synonymous with philanderers and libertines everywhere. Perhaps this is because every translation prior to Willard Trask’s version was abridged or condensed to censor Casanova’s previously unacceptable religious views, his radical political views or his erotic musings.
Casanova recorded his life as he lived it. He wrote constantly - on the run, in prisons, carriages, palaces, low dives and grand hotels - but it wasn’t until 1789 in retirement that he started his memoirs. And so we leave his Preface and plunge across Europe, beginning with his birthplace in Venice and winding up in Count Waldstein’s Chateau in Bohemia.
It is one hell of a wild ride as Casanova practiced many professions including that of charlatan and gambler. He was at times a soldier, a spy, a preacher, a professional writer, a violinist, a silk manufacturer, a lottery director and an alchemist. Casanova met many intellectuals including Voltaire, Rousseau, d’Alembert and Crebillon in Paris, George III in London, Louis XV at Fontainebleau, Catherine the Great at St. Petersburg, Benedict XII at Rome, Joseph II at Vienna and Frederick the Great at Sans-Souci.
Casanova lived by his wits and considerable talents and as he spoke his mind, banishment and imprisonment became a regular part of his life. Casanova was the first prisoner to ever escape the notorious prison in Venice, The Leads. He had been incarcerated there by the Venetian State Inquisitors.
Casanova revelled in the high life of Europe’s best courts as well as having genuine friendships with those deemed to be social degenerates – actors, dancers, musicians and other creatives. He found lovers in every social strata: servant girls, dancers, Countesses, shop girls, Duchesses and aristocrats in the courts of Europe. He accepted women as equals, made sure they were satisfied sexually and was non judgmental. Frequently his women preyed on his natural generosity and ruthlessly fleeced him.
Having decided that, ‘Marriage is the tomb of love.’ he never marries and later has regrets. Was he the cold hearted seducer of his legend? Occasionally he was but he was also an astute observer of character and the portraits he draws of his lovers are in the round. He brings them alive for the reader and it is their conversation and character that brings him to his knees and by his own admission makes him their dupe.
Casanova had a wonderful sense of the ridiculous and is honest about his personal failings. His pride frequently gets him into diabolical situations as he has the unfortunate habit of using his wit to rub his enemies up the wrong way. He was quick to draw his sword and pink those who had the temerity to insult him. Many of his dealings are dodgy and the reader gets the impression that Casanova isn't owning up to all the amoral things he has done for money. The chapters dealing with his fleecing of a gullible aristocrat are deliciously wicked.
Some may find Casanova's memoirs a hard read but personally I find the complexity, intricate detail and humour an absolute delight.
April 25, 2018
I was looking around for uncommon comedic books and was recommended The Memoirs of Casanova. I expected alot worse from this book, considering Cassanova's reputation but I was really pleasantly surprised. Casanova comes off as very intelligent and he writes beautifully. Even more surprising is how well he writes about his belief in Christianity, which he dedicates the first few pages of his author's preface too. His stories don't come off as sleazy, he definitely has a moral compass and understands his vices, but as sort of comedic episodes with a ready climax and punchline. I really love his initial quote as to how one should view his work: "I could not procure a more agreeable pastime than to relate my own adventures, and to cause pleasant laughter amongst the good company listening to me, from which I have received so many tokens of friendship, and in the midst of which I have ever lived....By recollecting the pleasures I have had formerly, I renew them, I enjoy them a second time, while I laugh at the remembrance of troubles now past, and which I no longer feel."
I wanted to jot down a few quotes that really stood out to me, but there are multiple scenes in this book worth remembering:
I wanted to jot down a few quotes that really stood out to me, but there are multiple scenes in this book worth remembering:
Rich and in good health, everyone received me with open arms; poor and looking sick, no one shewed me any consideration. With a full purse and the tone of a conqueror, I was thought witty, amusing; with an empty purse and a modest air, all I said appeared dull and insipid. If I had become rich again, how soon I would have been again accounted the eighth wonder of the world! Oh, men! oh, fortune! Everyone avoided me as if the ill luck which crushed me down was infectious.
The result was that from that time those who wanted the patronage of the senator applied to me. Comment is needless; this sort of thing has long been in existence, and will long remain so, because very often, to obtain the highest of favours, all that is necessary is to obtain the good-will of the minister's favourite of even of his valet.
This is a piece of good fortune which has never failed me whenever I have been the victim of oppression, until I reached the age of fifty. Whenever I met with honest persons expressing a curiosity to know the history of the misfortune under which I was labouring, and whenever I satisfied their curiosity, I have inspired them with friendship, and with that sympathy which was necessary to render them favourable and useful to me. That success was owing to a very simple artifice; it was only to tell my story in a quiet and truthful manner, without even avoiding the facts which told against me. It is simple secret that many men do not know, because the larger portion of humankind is composed of cowards; a man who always tells the truth must be possessed of great moral courage. Experience has taught me that truth is a talisman, the charm of which never fails in its effect, provided it is not wasted upon unworthy people, and I believe that a guilty man, who candidly speaks the truth to his judge, has a better chance of being acquitted, than the innocent man who hesitates and evades true statements. Of course the speaker must be young, or at least in the prime of manhood; for an old man finds the whole of nature combined against him.
January 6, 2013
Casanova was a much, much better plotter than Rousseau was.
... Though really, my cat is a better plotter than Rousseau was.
And now, an addendum:
The comparison to Rousseau, and how light this narrative was when placed alongside JJR, was the first thought that sprang to mind. And they are similar projects, especially in these earlier years, though Casanova moves us ahead far more briskly.
But more particular to Casanova, what I find myself coming back to is how different it was being a teenager. The liveliest (ahem) scenes in this first volume occur during his years from about 14 to what, 16? 18? I'm not quite sure. But in this time he becomes an abbé, he earns a law degree; he travels to the homes of acquaintances as another adult among them, albeit a young one; he disposes of his own property, he engages a lawyer and brings a lawsuit, he is arrested. Yet he's also a teenager, in ways we recognize: he behaves petulantly, he acts without thought, he's quite often an ass ... all this, and at times it seems that all a young woman has to do is look at his pants ... well. Let's just say that, at this age, stamina is not one of Casanova's talents.
Which makes me wonder anew (because I've been down this path before): where did our current, extended adolescence come from? And what, ultimately, are the benefits of such? Casanova is already showing some less-than-desirable traits, but I wonder how he might have behaved were he unfettered by his concerns about his budding career, his financial security, his own good name. Or was his more adult range of liberty what gave rise to his more provocative antics?
... Though really, my cat is a better plotter than Rousseau was.
And now, an addendum:
The comparison to Rousseau, and how light this narrative was when placed alongside JJR, was the first thought that sprang to mind. And they are similar projects, especially in these earlier years, though Casanova moves us ahead far more briskly.
But more particular to Casanova, what I find myself coming back to is how different it was being a teenager. The liveliest (ahem) scenes in this first volume occur during his years from about 14 to what, 16? 18? I'm not quite sure. But in this time he becomes an abbé, he earns a law degree; he travels to the homes of acquaintances as another adult among them, albeit a young one; he disposes of his own property, he engages a lawyer and brings a lawsuit, he is arrested. Yet he's also a teenager, in ways we recognize: he behaves petulantly, he acts without thought, he's quite often an ass ... all this, and at times it seems that all a young woman has to do is look at his pants ... well. Let's just say that, at this age, stamina is not one of Casanova's talents.
Which makes me wonder anew (because I've been down this path before): where did our current, extended adolescence come from? And what, ultimately, are the benefits of such? Casanova is already showing some less-than-desirable traits, but I wonder how he might have behaved were he unfettered by his concerns about his budding career, his financial security, his own good name. Or was his more adult range of liberty what gave rise to his more provocative antics?
July 2, 2021
Started in on this free book (archiv.org) mistaking it at first for Cellini's autobiography. Yet it was interesting enough anyway to read through to halfway into Volume Two (out of six or eight). Would have continued but for the other 400 books on my to-read list. Including Cellini's autobiography.
This is well-written by one who did his own thinking and thought clearly, and was honest about himself as to the considerable amount he chose to tell, making no excuses for his several misfortunes except his youth, naiveté, ignorance, acquisitiveness, intellectual appetite and passion.
Edmund Wilson in "The Wound and the Bow" remarks that Casanova's aim is not so much to glorify himself as to tell us an astonishing story that illustrates how people behave, the way in which life works out. He suspects that if Casanova's memoirs were a novel, then he would be the greatest novelist who ever lived. And the real theme of Casanova is the many things a life may hold, the many roles a man may play and the changes brought by time. Wilson writes that the first part of the story is gay, with a Venetian carnival liveliness; the last, unbearably sad.
The best translation of the complete memoirs may be by Willard Trask. Many other editions are abridged.
Caution: some readers may be mildly titillated. Don't let that stop you.
This is well-written by one who did his own thinking and thought clearly, and was honest about himself as to the considerable amount he chose to tell, making no excuses for his several misfortunes except his youth, naiveté, ignorance, acquisitiveness, intellectual appetite and passion.
Edmund Wilson in "The Wound and the Bow" remarks that Casanova's aim is not so much to glorify himself as to tell us an astonishing story that illustrates how people behave, the way in which life works out. He suspects that if Casanova's memoirs were a novel, then he would be the greatest novelist who ever lived. And the real theme of Casanova is the many things a life may hold, the many roles a man may play and the changes brought by time. Wilson writes that the first part of the story is gay, with a Venetian carnival liveliness; the last, unbearably sad.
The best translation of the complete memoirs may be by Willard Trask. Many other editions are abridged.
Caution: some readers may be mildly titillated. Don't let that stop you.
September 10, 2012
The start of a long and incredible story of one of the most fascinating individuals I've ever had the pleasure of reading about. It seems hard to image that 3500 pages can be interesting right the way through, but this is as much a page-turner as any modern bestseller. Casanova wrote these memoirs in old age, and at least once per chapter looks back melancholically on his past exploits while offering some more or less philosophical advice to his readers.
Casanova was present at some of the major European historic events; such as the assassination attempt on Louis XV, the execution of his attacker, meetings with popes and members of the highest ranks of government. Through the course of the story Casanova makes his fortune, goes bankrupt, regains a fortune and loses it all again. He falls in and out of love in the blink of an eye, and faced death more times than could possibly be imagined. However, he remains his own self at all times and throws himself into destiny, guided only by chance.
All I can say is read, read, read!
Casanova was present at some of the major European historic events; such as the assassination attempt on Louis XV, the execution of his attacker, meetings with popes and members of the highest ranks of government. Through the course of the story Casanova makes his fortune, goes bankrupt, regains a fortune and loses it all again. He falls in and out of love in the blink of an eye, and faced death more times than could possibly be imagined. However, he remains his own self at all times and throws himself into destiny, guided only by chance.
All I can say is read, read, read!
July 22, 2021
[Review is for Volume 1 only.]
Casanova: not as much of a manwhore as his reputation suggests. Which isn't saying much, but is still worth saying.
Anyway, he's basically the reincarnation of Narcissus, but a surprisingly compelling memoirist. (I see those little story-craft techniques you slipped in there, Sr. C, and I thank you for them.) I particularly enjoyed the close details on daily life in 18th-century Italy -- definitely useful stuff. Now quite inspired to write something based in alt-history Venice. Good times, folks.
Also, should mention: For all that his representation of women is better than I'd expected (better than his representation of men by far, and better than a lot of representations of women in contemporary writing, to be honest), his concept of CONSENT... well, it leaves a lot to be desired. (Not in a throw-the-book-across-the-room way, but definitely a raise-my-eyebrows-at-his-justification way.) So if that's something that will severely hamper your enjoyment, maybe get your primary-source historical research elsewhere.
Casanova: not as much of a manwhore as his reputation suggests. Which isn't saying much, but is still worth saying.
Anyway, he's basically the reincarnation of Narcissus, but a surprisingly compelling memoirist. (I see those little story-craft techniques you slipped in there, Sr. C, and I thank you for them.) I particularly enjoyed the close details on daily life in 18th-century Italy -- definitely useful stuff. Now quite inspired to write something based in alt-history Venice. Good times, folks.
Also, should mention: For all that his representation of women is better than I'd expected (better than his representation of men by far, and better than a lot of representations of women in contemporary writing, to be honest), his concept of CONSENT... well, it leaves a lot to be desired. (Not in a throw-the-book-across-the-room way, but definitely a raise-my-eyebrows-at-his-justification way.) So if that's something that will severely hamper your enjoyment, maybe get your primary-source historical research elsewhere.
October 19, 2008
One summer in college I failed Latin because I spent my semester in the library reading this book. Incredible story-telling, I was enthralled through all 12 volumes. Adventure, con artistry, magic, ghost stories, political intrigue, intellectualism, and of course romance. Casanova was a dandy, a fraud, a seducer and a painfully honest writer. The length of the narrative gives a perspective and depth that is unmatched in any fiction.
March 1, 2017
Loved Casanova's elaborate style brought to life by Benedict's enchanting voice!
April 13, 2024
I wasn't expecting this to be so readable. The pace is perfect; it doesn't ever lag. The adventures Casanova attracts, not all of them romantic, are so numerous and fantastic that it's difficult to imagine they're completely truthful. Yet the texture of detail and cross-referencing give the writing at least a strong feeling of integrity. Anyhow, if even half of this is based upon real events, Casanova is the most interesting person I've met (in a book). At the end of Volume II, at only twenty-three years old, he has already been a doctor, an abate (a religious person of some sort), a soldier, a theater violinist, a mystic, a treasure-hunter, a match-maker... I'm forgetting a lot, I'm sure... and a chronic gambler and seducer of women. Casanova is not a decent person, by current societal standards: besides his infamous conduct with girls, he's killed a man or two, frequently cheats men out of large sums of money, been imprisoned, fled more than one city... But what I appreciate about him is his unapologetic voice, which charms and inspires me to forgive his sins, because he's so interesting that I want our relationship to continue. This is how he ultimately finds success wherever he goes.
December 25, 2020
Good stuff. Giacomo Casanova - in spite of not always being factual - is a great story teller. Occasionally he does go on a bit and could use an editor at times, but his escapades are so entertaining and sometimes even so shocking that it’s worth it. I may very well read all of the volumes.
February 15, 2020
Exhausting 😳
October 17, 2020
casanova might be one of the most interesting guys to ever write memoirs and this is great stuff, consistently entertaining and gives you a great idea of what life in the 18th century was like.
September 10, 2021
A very entertaining story. The reading by Benedict Cumberbatch was marvelous.
January 4, 2022
A look at the man: intelligent, disagreeable and unconscientious; and at 18th century Europe.
October 15, 2022
Gives a good insight into society in Italy around 1759sh and you understand he was serially totally in love completely over his head. Could not finish two volumes it is just too much.
December 5, 2014
Incredible, Insightful, Captivating...there is NO excuse for not giving this a try!!
Casanova's "History" is an enthralling portrait of himself, his times, and his conquests. It is written in a chatty yet elegant style that seems bent on seducing the reader too. What is immediately obvious here is that Casanova was no ordinary Lothario but truly esteemed women and yearned for their approval as much as for their bodies. The memoir is also a priceless sketch of 18th life and mores, upper and lower classes, and politics both great and small
his book can't be recommended too highly.
Volumes I & II give us the young Casanova growing up Venice. A child of the theater, he lives in the grey space between rich and poor. When he sets out to make his way in the world he is armed with his wit, his charm, and his flexible sense of ethics. His adventures and misadventures take him from Venice to Rome to Greece to Turkey. He starts a career within the church, makes money as an alchemist, and delights in the life of a gambler. There is probably a lot to criticise in the behaviour of Casanova, but his charm even wins over the reader. It is difficult to sit in judgement when he so cheerfully judges himself.
There is something for nearly everyone in these two volumes. History readers will get an intimate look at manners of the 18th century. Fans of autobiography and memoir will find this one of the most interesting and extensive examples that they have read. Teenagers will relate to some very familiar scenes of youthful rebellion (moments that have apparently changed very little in the past several hundred years). Even the novel reader who does not normally read memoir should find that there is enough adventure and derring-do to keep the pages turning.
The translation by Trask is clean and does not get in the way. This is worth reading in its entirety and I would personally skip the abridged version for the unabridged. My only complaint about the Johns Hopkins University Press Edition was that the notes for Volume I were in the middle of the book, and it would have been easier as the reader to have the notes for both volumes at the end.
here is hardly one page across the more than 3600 pages (excluding critical materials) that is not hair raising or jaw dropping for its picture of human depravity, duplicity, guile and gullibility. despite his protestations of honor and intelligence, casanova is candid about his own decadence and stupidity -- his autobiography is written, as he says, so that others may laugh with him at his life, even as he laughs at all the fools he has encountered. his honesty has led posterity to heap the sins of the century on his head, but the book makes clear that he was no more than a slippery and cheerful swimmer in a very polluted seaHistory of My Life, Vols 1-2
I have purchased Volumes III & IV already
Casanova's "History" is an enthralling portrait of himself, his times, and his conquests. It is written in a chatty yet elegant style that seems bent on seducing the reader too. What is immediately obvious here is that Casanova was no ordinary Lothario but truly esteemed women and yearned for their approval as much as for their bodies. The memoir is also a priceless sketch of 18th life and mores, upper and lower classes, and politics both great and small
his book can't be recommended too highly.
Volumes I & II give us the young Casanova growing up Venice. A child of the theater, he lives in the grey space between rich and poor. When he sets out to make his way in the world he is armed with his wit, his charm, and his flexible sense of ethics. His adventures and misadventures take him from Venice to Rome to Greece to Turkey. He starts a career within the church, makes money as an alchemist, and delights in the life of a gambler. There is probably a lot to criticise in the behaviour of Casanova, but his charm even wins over the reader. It is difficult to sit in judgement when he so cheerfully judges himself.
There is something for nearly everyone in these two volumes. History readers will get an intimate look at manners of the 18th century. Fans of autobiography and memoir will find this one of the most interesting and extensive examples that they have read. Teenagers will relate to some very familiar scenes of youthful rebellion (moments that have apparently changed very little in the past several hundred years). Even the novel reader who does not normally read memoir should find that there is enough adventure and derring-do to keep the pages turning.
The translation by Trask is clean and does not get in the way. This is worth reading in its entirety and I would personally skip the abridged version for the unabridged. My only complaint about the Johns Hopkins University Press Edition was that the notes for Volume I were in the middle of the book, and it would have been easier as the reader to have the notes for both volumes at the end.
here is hardly one page across the more than 3600 pages (excluding critical materials) that is not hair raising or jaw dropping for its picture of human depravity, duplicity, guile and gullibility. despite his protestations of honor and intelligence, casanova is candid about his own decadence and stupidity -- his autobiography is written, as he says, so that others may laugh with him at his life, even as he laughs at all the fools he has encountered. his honesty has led posterity to heap the sins of the century on his head, but the book makes clear that he was no more than a slippery and cheerful swimmer in a very polluted seaHistory of My Life, Vols 1-2
I have purchased Volumes III & IV already
April 27, 2012
Despite the fact that I can't possibly believe that everything written in Casanova's memoirs is true, I still enjoyed reading this first volume of his memoirs and I'll probably read the rest of them. It was better than I expected.
Yes, Casanova can be a little self occupied and he does brag about his love adventures a lot (that will not really be a surprise to any reader considering that Casanova's name is synonymous with womanizer- and his memoirs are the reason for it). However, when describing society and individuals surrounding him, Casanova has a very keen eye and is not without a sense of humour. Casanova’s frankness makes the study of that historical period very interesting. There is just something refreshing in how candid the writer is, sometimes even making fun of him. Not too often though, he is not too humble. Always feeling an aversion to false humility (and true humility is very rare) I didn’t mind Casanova’s self confidence. To me Casanova seems one of those people that get away with almost everything because of their charisma- and there are worse reasons for someone getting away with something. After all, charisma is a quality or some sort.
As I said, I’m not certain how much of what is described is actually true, in my opinion some parts of it are definitely fiction not memory, and by that I mostly mean his adventurous with women, they seem to me a product of an erotically imaginative mind. Nevertheless, what memoir is completely true? Humans are always subjective when it comes to judging themselves…Anyway, I would say that Casanova’s memoir is a mix of fact and fiction... or a mix between soap opera and genuine past events. (Probably there are those who will especially like those episodes that I suspect to be a work of fiction and enjoy in this imaginatively interpreted part of his past.)
This first volume deals with his childhood and early youth. As a child Casanova’s is very sensitive, marked by the absence of mother that perhaps explains his need for female affection. As a young man, Casanova already has a very adventurous sort of spirit.…that’s about as far as I have get. I’ll have to read the rest to see what kind of man he turned out to be.
Yes, Casanova can be a little self occupied and he does brag about his love adventures a lot (that will not really be a surprise to any reader considering that Casanova's name is synonymous with womanizer- and his memoirs are the reason for it). However, when describing society and individuals surrounding him, Casanova has a very keen eye and is not without a sense of humour. Casanova’s frankness makes the study of that historical period very interesting. There is just something refreshing in how candid the writer is, sometimes even making fun of him. Not too often though, he is not too humble. Always feeling an aversion to false humility (and true humility is very rare) I didn’t mind Casanova’s self confidence. To me Casanova seems one of those people that get away with almost everything because of their charisma- and there are worse reasons for someone getting away with something. After all, charisma is a quality or some sort.
As I said, I’m not certain how much of what is described is actually true, in my opinion some parts of it are definitely fiction not memory, and by that I mostly mean his adventurous with women, they seem to me a product of an erotically imaginative mind. Nevertheless, what memoir is completely true? Humans are always subjective when it comes to judging themselves…Anyway, I would say that Casanova’s memoir is a mix of fact and fiction... or a mix between soap opera and genuine past events. (Probably there are those who will especially like those episodes that I suspect to be a work of fiction and enjoy in this imaginatively interpreted part of his past.)
This first volume deals with his childhood and early youth. As a child Casanova’s is very sensitive, marked by the absence of mother that perhaps explains his need for female affection. As a young man, Casanova already has a very adventurous sort of spirit.…that’s about as far as I have get. I’ll have to read the rest to see what kind of man he turned out to be.
March 3, 2012
Well, I'll be honest and admit I sort of cheated-this was an audio book, narrated by the one and only Benedict Cumberbatch....
This was the only reason why I even bothered reading/hearing a story written by the world's greatest womanizer who clearly states than in his lifetime he's slept with approximately over a thousand women.
The story was weak, and immensely unbelievable with chronological mistakes and an incredible muddle of names. Casanova seems to be the world's luckiest guy, always running around with money, friends-very high class authorities too, and above all. If it were up to me, I'd have renamed it 'How I slept with 1,000 women in 5 years, and got away with it', or 'How to break the heart of 1,000 women in 5 years'. Because apparently, this guy just walks down the street and shags everything wearing a skirt [or man's clothes-those are passable too-simply because it always turns out that the people wearing men's clothing in reality are 'the most beautiful, and charming' women with perfect breasts and the faces of angels......]. And we must not forget that he always manages to fall head over heels for every woman in the whole of Italy, then finds the next one and never mentions the previous one ever again. Oh, and he seems to have a thing for sleeping with one sister on one side of the bed thinking the sister on the other side of the bed wont have noticed, but finding out that the poor woman has in fact suffered through the whole ordeal simply shags her too.
Argh....
Benedict's 'jaguar in a cello' voice solely made it bearable [hence the 3 stars], because his accents were perfect and was the only reason for getting through the entire thing.
Gah, this Casanova either had an incredibly fertile [and erotic] imagination, or was a pig headed douche, and boy, am I glad I don't live in those times.
This was the only reason why I even bothered reading/hearing a story written by the world's greatest womanizer who clearly states than in his lifetime he's slept with approximately over a thousand women.
The story was weak, and immensely unbelievable with chronological mistakes and an incredible muddle of names. Casanova seems to be the world's luckiest guy, always running around with money, friends-very high class authorities too, and above all. If it were up to me, I'd have renamed it 'How I slept with 1,000 women in 5 years, and got away with it', or 'How to break the heart of 1,000 women in 5 years'. Because apparently, this guy just walks down the street and shags everything wearing a skirt [or man's clothes-those are passable too-simply because it always turns out that the people wearing men's clothing in reality are 'the most beautiful, and charming' women with perfect breasts and the faces of angels......]. And we must not forget that he always manages to fall head over heels for every woman in the whole of Italy, then finds the next one and never mentions the previous one ever again. Oh, and he seems to have a thing for sleeping with one sister on one side of the bed thinking the sister on the other side of the bed wont have noticed, but finding out that the poor woman has in fact suffered through the whole ordeal simply shags her too.
Argh....
Benedict's 'jaguar in a cello' voice solely made it bearable [hence the 3 stars], because his accents were perfect and was the only reason for getting through the entire thing.
Gah, this Casanova either had an incredibly fertile [and erotic] imagination, or was a pig headed douche, and boy, am I glad I don't live in those times.
December 23, 2012
What an amazing book... Casanova's story, at least the first three volumes that I’ve read of it, is the best story that I have read in my entire life. I recommend, without reserve, that you read his memoirs. Just make sure to pace yourself as his complete memoirs are long (6 books). If you can, avoid reading the shorter version of his memoirs as you will miss a lot of the great stories in Casanova’s life. I’ve been reading the memoirs translated by Arthur Machen, who does a wonderful job in perserving the essense of Casanova’s writing. I’ve also heard a lot of great things about the translation done by Willard Trask. I’m sure you can’t go wrong with either translation. Also, the paperback edition of Trask’s translation has a gorgeous book cover…(less)
This book reminds me of all the fun that I had in my teens and early twenties.
This book reminds me of all the fun that I had in my teens and early twenties.
Currently reading
July 16, 2012After visiting Italy and spending some time in Venice I decided I wanted to know more about Giacomo Casanova. I passed on the 200 page paperback in the gift shops in Venice and decided to read the real thing. I'm so glad I did! His stories (often racy and detailed) are fantastic! I love learning about the style and way of life of his time. I believe he documents the time period well. I'm not done reading (yet) but I'm working on it!
This is one of the only books I'm reading on my iPad because I often have to look up definitions of words. Having a dictionary near by is definitely helpful.
This is one of the only books I'm reading on my iPad because I often have to look up definitions of words. Having a dictionary near by is definitely helpful.
August 12, 2009
it only took 6 years and death to finish it, but i suppose that is apropos. by the time you hit volume six, things begin to break down structurally, his diseases begin to become truly macabre, and one can't help but think the man was singularly responsible for spreading the clap throughout the continent. not to mention there was probably a city populated entirely by the man's bastards. but all in all a fascinating portrait of the time period that makes his peers better reading.
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