The Memoirs of Count Carlo Gozzi; Volume the First

Step into the glittering yet precarious world of 18th‑century Venice through the eyes of its most flamboyant dramatist. In these memoirs the count blends vivid recollections of street festivals, aristocratic salons and the bustling theatres of the commedia dell’arte with candid reflections on his own ambitions, rivalries, and the peculiar codes of Venetian society. His voice is witty and incisive, offering both a personal chronicle and a broader portrait of an era on the brink of upheaval.

Accompanying the narrative are lively essays on Italian impromptu comedy, detailed sketches of memorable characters, and illustrated plates that bring the era’s masks and costumes to life. The translation preserves the author’s caustic humor and keen observation, making this rare document an accessible window into a world of decadence, artistry, and the restless intellect of a man who shaped theatrical tradition. Listeners will find a compelling mix of autobiography, cultural commentary, and colorful storytelling that invites them to imagine Venice’s past as never before.