Description
My Stay in Spain
Book Summary
In this fascinating travelogue, Giacomo Casanova narrates his brief but intense stay in Spain in 1767. Expelled from Paris, the famous adventurer arrives in Madrid with the intention of offering his services as an advisor, but encounters a country of contrasts where politics, pleasure, persecution, and love intertwine. Through his lucid and provocative gaze, the reader will discover a vibrant and dangerous Spain, seen by one of the most unique witnesses of the 18th century.
What is it about?
The book collects Casanova's memoirs during the few months he spent in Spain in 1767. After being expelled from France, the author travels to Madrid with the purpose of settling down and offering his expertise as a political advisor. However, his restless character and reputation as a seducer lead him to become involved in a series of entanglements ranging from court intrigues to judicial persecutions. Amidst furtive affairs, clashes with the Inquisition, and a short time in prison, Casanova portrays a Spanish society full of passions, contradictions, and a sense of honor that he himself constantly challenges. The work is a direct and unfiltered testimony of his adventures, written with the irony and cynicism that characterize his pen.
Main themes
- Travel as an experience of personal transformation and cultural confrontation.
- 18th-century Spain: politics, religion, and social customs.
- Love and seduction as games of power and risk.
- Persecution and conflict with ecclesiastical and civil authorities.
- The figure of the enlightened adventurer facing a traditional society.
Who is it recommended for?
This book is aimed at readers interested in historical travel literature, 18th-century memoirs, and social portraits of Enlightenment-era Spain. It will also appeal to those who wish to discover a lesser-known side of Casanova, beyond the myth of the seducer, as a sharp observer and chronicler of his time. It is an ideal read for lovers of history, biography, and autobiographical narratives with a direct and provocative style.
What this book offers
- A unique and unconventional vision of 18th-century Spain through the eyes of an exceptional foreigner.
- A vibrant, anecdote-filled account that combines adventure, social criticism, and personal reflection.
- The opportunity to discover a lesser-known Casanova, one more intellectual and political, without losing his characteristic wit.
- A first-hand historical testimony on the tensions between the enlightened individual and the power structures of the era.
Technical specifications
- Author: Casanova, Giacomo
- Publisher: Casimiro Libros
- Language: French
- Subject: Travel literature
- Collection: Casimiro en Francés
- Binding: Paperback
- Publication date: October 2020
- Number of pages: 136
- Weight: 168 g
Editorial review
Mon séjour en Espagne offers a penetrating and entertaining look at a rarely visited episode in Casanova's life. Casimiro Libros' French edition recovers this text with a careful and accessible presentation, ideal for those seeking a historical account that not only documents, but also entertains and provokes. Its brevity and agile pace make it a perfect read to immerse oneself in the adventurous spirit of the 18th century without the need for a major commitment. A work that will surprise both those familiar with Casanova and new readers interested in character-driven travel literature.