Casanova: The World of a Seductive Genius

by Laurence Bergreen
Casanova: The World of a Seductive Genius cover
Good Books rating 3.92
Biography and Memoir
Technical
  • ID: 187
  • Added: 2025-09-03
  • Updated: 2025-09-03
  • ISBN: 9781476716497
  • Publisher: Simon and Schuster
  • Published: 2016-11-01
  • Reviews: 3

"The remarkable story of Giacomo Casanova (1725-1798), an impoverished abandoned boy who became the notorious libertine, famous writer, and correspondent with figures such as Voltaire, Louis XV, and Catherine the Great in decadent 18th-century Europe."--Provided by publisher.

Reviews
Bookfinder · 2021-01-01
informative 3.50

The book is recognized among collections of Casanova's works, appreciated for its detailed exploration of his life and the era he lived in.

This listing places the book within a broad context of Casanova's many published works, underscoring its value as part of the larger body of literature about this historic figure. Readers and collectors who seek comprehensive insights into Casanova's life are drawn to this biography for its detailed approach and thoroughness. The source highlights the book’s role in helping readers understand Casanova beyond his reputation, providing a textured and nuanced portrayal. While not a traditional review, the presence of the book here signals its importance and interest to those fascinated by Casanova’s story.

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    Find nearly any book by Giacomo Casanova.

    Get the best deal by comparing prices from over 100000 booksellers.

    A detailed exploration of Casanova's life and the era he lived in.

Goodreads · 2020-01-01
candid 4.00

The memoirs reveal Casanova's passionate, rational yet deceptive nature, portraying him as unapologetically embracing his youth's follies with candidness and charm.

This perspective sees Casanova as a man driven by passion, not wickedness, who freely admits to his transgressions without regret, often attributing them to youthful folly. The memoirs serve as a personal recollection meant to recapture the enjoyment of youth rather than for public consumption, revealing a candid and reflective tone. The reviewer notes Casanova’s complex relationship with deception and love, seeing it as a mutual game between men and women. The narrative is appreciated for its openness and for showing Casanova’s self-awareness, especially as he reflects on his aging and lost virility. The memoirs are described as racy for their time and intended for intelligent readers who can appreciate the indulgent and honest recounting of his life.

Quick quotes

    Casanova styled himself to be a man free to go where the wind blows him.

    He makes no apologies nor does he regret his transgressions often attributing it to the folly of youth.

    These were written for the author's own enjoyment, which is possibly the best way to go about it.

Cato Institute · 2019-03-13
intriguing 4.25

The biography presents Casanova as a complex figure, more depraved yet fascinating than often portrayed, painting a vivid picture of his era and charisma.

This review highlights the multifaceted nature of Casanova, emphasizing that he was far more than just a notorious lover. The biography explores his larger-than-life charisma and the cultural context of his time, noting that dismissing him as merely a product of sexism underestimates his appeal. It also discusses the decline of Casanova's later years, focusing on his loss of virility and his isolation, portraying him as a tragic figure who ultimately faded into obscurity. The reviewer appreciates the rich texture and immediacy of Casanova's memoirs, considering them an extraordinary window into 18th-century life, despite not being a literary masterpiece. The book is described as lively and engaging, providing a vivid canvas of a fascinating era through the experiences of a remarkable man who contained many contradictions.

Quick quotes

    Laurence Bergreen's lively new biography Casanova leaves no detail unmentioned as he chronicles the life of a remarkable man.

    There’s enough larger-than-life charisma that it’s easy to see why this man mesmerized generations of readers of both sexes.

    His memoir breaks off abruptly before he hits 50: 'In a real sense, when he was no longer young and charismatic, he was no longer Casanova.'

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