"The Memoirs of Jacques Casanova de Seingalt" is an autobiography written by the Italian adventurer and author Jacques Casanova de Seingalt (1725-1798). The second volume continues Casanova's memoirs, chronicling his travels and adventures throughout Europe. The book begins with Casanova's arrival in Paris, where he becomes involved in various intrigues and romances. He also spends time in London, where he becomes embroiled in a scandal involving the famous actress Sarah Bernhardt. Throughout the book, Casanova's passion for love and romance remains a dominant theme, and he recounts numerous amorous encounters with women from all walks of life. However, he is also portrayed as a highly cultured and intelligent individual, with a keen interest in the arts and philosophy. Casanova's travels take him to various European cities, including Amsterdam, Dresden, and Vienna, where he encounters a wide range of people, from aristocrats and intellectuals to criminals and prostitutes. He also continues to be involved in various political intrigues and schemes, which often land him in trouble with the authorities. Overall, "The Memoirs of Jacques Casanova de Seingalt" provides a vivid and engaging portrait of life in eighteenth-century Europe, as seen through the eyes of one of its most colorful and charismatic figures.
Jacques Casanova de Seingalt (1725-1798) was an Italian adventurer, writer, and libertine who is best known for his highly entertaining and scandalous memoirs. Born in Venice, Casanova was the son of an actor and actress and received a Jesuit education before embarking on a life of adventure and excess. Throughout his life, Casanova traveled extensively throughout Europe, engaging in a wide range of occupations, including musician, gambler, and spy. Casanova was a polymath who had a deep interest in science, mathematics, and philosophy. He was also a member of several secret societies, including the Freemasons, and his writings provide a unique insight into the inner workings of these organizations. Casanova's memoirs were not published until after his death, and they quickly gained a reputation for their frank depictions of sex and scandalous behavior. Today, the memoirs are considered a classic of literature and provide a valuable historical and cultural snapshot of life in 18th-century Europe.