The Memoirs of Jacques Casanova De Seingalt; The first complete and unabridged English translation
New York: G.P. Putnam's, Circa 1960. Early Printing. Octavo. Six volumes. ills. Pictorial dust jackets. Full cloth in hunting green with gitl titles on spine. Royal purple endpapers. Mild edgewear and a few short, closed tears to some volumes. Overall, a bright and attractive set. Near Fine. Item #84
Casanova --so complete is his fame that his name is a pronoun, a noun and a verb. Casanova's fame, however, rests securely on his own shoulders (well, perhaps lower), for it is his autobiography which made him a legend. Venice, in the 18th century, was a part of the European Grand Tour and Venetian tourism specialized in "pleasure" which included everything from theater to the open pursuit of social vices. The son of professional entertainers, Casanova soon discovered that a career as a lawyer was not for him and thus began a life-long adventure affronting "common decency". Careful reading of his autobiography, unveils Casanova's keen insight into the customs and manners of Europe during the 1700s and reveals his unique writing talent, discovered late in his life, during dull moments as a librarian. Illustrated dust jackets depict Casanova at different stages of his "purple reign"
Price: $200.00