Casanova, Giacomo, << kaz uh NOH vuh, JAH koh moh >> (1725-1798), was an Italian adventurer and author. Casanova was a man of many interests and a strong intelligence, but he is known chiefly for his numerous love affairs. He not only seduced women, but he also celebrated his adventures in his writings. Casanova’s most important work is his autobiography, The History of My Life, or Memoirs, written in French and published after his death. In these memoirs, he relates his conquests as a lover and narrates many tales of adventure.
Casanova was born on April 2, 1725, in Venice. He studied law at Padua, served as a secretary to a cardinal, and even played the violin in a Venetian theater. In addition to writing many books, he was a spy and a gambler.
Casanova’s adventures got him into trouble with the authorities, and he often had to flee from one European country to another. Casanova was arrested and imprisoned in Venice in 1755. He made a daring escape a year later, which increased his fame as an adventurer. He died on June 4, 1798.
