Customer Reviews
Avg.
Customer Review: 
Unbelievable!,
July 5, 2001
Reviewer: Candice McFarland from Oakland, CA
USA
Wow! That about sums up this love god. You'll
probably blush while reading this, but that's OK.
Casanova would want it that way. His adventures are
amazing and I kept thinking, is this guy making this
stuff up? I wish I knew. Read it in sittings, because
it is loooonnnnng.
amusing reading for a
rainy day and beyond., August 7, 2000
Reviewer: omorphi from USA
This is one of those books that after you finish it,
you sit back and say, "now what am I going to
read?" This is such a satisfying set of books
that cannot be topped with a more delicious piece of
literature. Casanova is an exquisite storyteller
because he takes such obvious delight in reliving his
past pleasures. And what an adventurer! You get to
know him beyond his bad reputation of a womanizer and
learn of what an intelligent man he was. His stories
of daily life in the 18th century are romantic and
amusing, and really give you a good idea what life
back then was like. Especially interesting are his
meetings with monarchs and other important people
during that time. I wouldn't recommend this to anyone
who isn't interested in history, or doesn't have the
patience enough to sit through it all--about 3600
pages total.
A master storyteller
tells all, September 10, 1999
Reviewer: Nicholas Nicastro McBooks Press (<mcbooks@twcny.rr.com>)
from Ithaca, NY
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. This book can't be recommended too
highly.
If this is not must
reading then nothing is!, July 28, 1998
Reviewer: A reader from USA
I wish I could give this work 6 stars and not just 5.
In all 6 volumes of the Trask translation. Casanova
shows a remarkable gift for writing from the heart
even though he was progidy. The result is a vivid and
fast moving recreation of the 18th century by a
lover, a scholar and a rascal. What Casanova writes
the reader feels and lives. He writes as if you are
there with him and he makes you feel it is so.
Casanova's story is of love, of life from peasants to
kings, of risk-taking adventure, of politics, of
cabalistic rites and charlatanism, of dupes and
dullards and endless intrigues. It has the kind of
excitement that fiction can only envy.
Casanova offers a rare
and passionate view of his time, June 12, 1998
Reviewer: Jennifer Truschka (jtruschk@niu.edu) from
DeKalb, IL
Giacomo Casanova's twelve volume memoir, History of
My Life, provides a passionate and critical look into
the 18th century. The term "Casanova" has
become representative of frivolous love-making,
however, the real man, Giacomo Casanova, was an
artist, a scholar and a philosopher. His memoir
reveals his desire for truth, as well as his love for
women. Written during the years of the French
Revolution, Casanova's memoir appeals to a wide range
of book lovers. His stories are entertaining and
fulled with adventure. For those interested in 18th
century Europe, Casanova comments extensively on the
customs and manners of all the social classes,
especially in France. He gives charming descriptions
of the Parisian streets, taverns, Catholic practices
and even a detailed description on how to make hot
chocolate (one of Casanova's favourite breakfast
foods). Casanova occupied a unique place in society.
Instead of trying to fit rigidly into one social
class he explores the lives of the peasantry as well
as the noblity, therefore, he offers a unique view of
his time. Throughout his travels he reflects on
universal aspects of human nature, focusing often,
but not exclusively, on human sexual behaviour.
I have read Casanova's memoirs twice. The original
Trask translation was only produced in a limited
number.
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