The Memoirs of Jacques Casanova de Seingalt, 1725-1798. Volume 10: under the Leads

Name: The Memoirs of Jacques Casanova de Seingalt, 1725-1798. Volume 10: under the Leads
Author: Giacomo Casanova

By Giacomo Casanova

Open in WeRead

Explore more books like this:

Biographies History - European

About This Book

The narrator describes being betrayed by a supposed friend, arrested by a tribunal and stripped of papers and occult manuscripts, then transferred to the prison beneath the leads. He details a degrading search, confinement in a small, poorly lit garret with vermin, and the presence of a cruel iron strangling collar, alongside bodily reactions to shock, thirst and sleeplessness. Practical observations and wry asides punctuate the account as he fashions a lamp from scarce materials and resolves to attempt escape by breaking the floor during the carnival, blending procedural detail with personal reflection.

About the Author

Giacomo Casanova

Giacomo Casanova (1725-1798) was an Italian adventurer, writer, and diplomat, best known for his memoirs, which provide a vivid account of his life and the social milieu of 18th-century Europe. His most notable work, "The Memoirs of Jacques Casanova de Seingalt," chronicles his escapades across various cities, including Venice, Paris, and London, and offers insights into the cultural and political landscape of his time. Casanova's writings blend autobiography with fiction, showcasing his charm, wit, and keen observations on love, society, and human nature. His legacy endures as a symbol of romantic adventure and libertine philosophy.