I received this book for free for an honest review from netgalley

Such an informative book on a topic I was lacking information. Thank you

A good telling of the life and times of Casanova. The historical background to his life is fascinating and the book is worthy if only for that. However this is a character which has fascinated many and I greatly enjoyed getting to know the man, especially within the context of his time. He seems to have lived largely on wits and opportunity and he certainly lived a large life. The author writes well with an easy flowing style which makes history come alive. I very much enjoyed Casanovas' Life and Times. Thanks to Pen & Sword for their usual standard of excellence and Netgalley for an ARC of this book.

This book explores the captivating life of Giacomo Casanova, while situating him in the intricately woven fabric of his age. Born to humble actors, he achieved astonishing fame in 18th century Europe, befriending figures like Voltaire and Catherine the Great. Though first known as a scholar and adventurer, his reputation now rests on his posthumously published memoir detailing his notorious romantic exploits.

This book does an excellent job of recreating the world of 18th century Europe, putting Casanova’s life in context. It’s entertaining and well-written. Even if you have no interest in Casanova, this book is worth reading for the historical aspects alone.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

Giacomo Girolamo Casanova(2 April 1725–4 June 1798) was an Italian adventurer and author from the Republic of Venice.His autobiography,Histoire de ma vie (Story of My Life),is regarded as one of the most authentic and provocative sources of information about the customs and norms of European social life during the 18th century.Casanova was known to use pseudonyms, such as baron or count of Farussi or Chevalier de Seingalt.He claims to have mingled with people from the European social strata.He has become so famous for his often complicated and elaborate affairs with women, that his name is now synonymous with "libertine."His final years were spent in Dux Chateau (Bohemia) as a librarian in Count Waldstein's household, where he also wrote his autobiography.His parents were actress Zanetta Farussi,and actor and dancer Gaetano Casanova. Giacomo was the eldest child.At the time of Casanova's birth, the city of Venice thrived as the pleasure capital of Europe, ruled by political and religious conservatives who tolerated social vices and encouraged tourism.His grandmother, Marzia Baldissera, cared for him while his mother toured about Europe in the theatre.His father died when he was eight.Casanova, on his ninth birthday, was sent to a boarding house on the mainland in Padua. Conditions at the boarding house were appalling, so he appealed to be placed under the care of Abbé Gozzi,his primary instructor,who tutored him in academic subjects, as well as the violin.Casanova moved in with the priest and his family and lived there through most of his teenage years.He entered the University of Padua at 12 and graduated at 17.His guardian's hope was that he would become an ecclesiastical lawyer.Casanova had also studied moral philosophy,chemistry,and maths,and was keenly interested in medicine.He had a penchant and fondness for all sorts of vices,namely gambling,and womanising.He was a seeker of answers beyond the conventional.He was passionate and interesting,by having a massive lust for life.His true occupation was living largely on his quick wits,steely nerves,luck,social charm,and the money given to him in gratitude and trickery.

I really enjoyed getting to know more about Casanova, it was well-written and felt like it was well-researched. David John Thompson has a great writing style for this type of book and I was engaged with the story.

This was a really interesting read as my knowledge of Casanova was really basic. So this book had lots of new information.