The Memoirs of Jacques Casanova de Seingalt, 1725-1798. Volume 27: Expelled from Spain

In this vivid fragment of a legendary libertine’s memoir, the aging Casanova recounts a turbulent episode that ends with his forced departure from Spain. He describes the intoxicating allure of Madrid’s high society, the flattering reception of the Venetian ambassador, and the promise of lucrative posts in the Sierra Morena—only to see those prospects crumble under a web of deceit and betrayal.

A chance encounter with the scheming Baron de Fraiture, a reckless huntsman from Liège, drags the narrator into a tangled plot of loans, false identities, and dangerous alliances. As the baron’s pretensions clash with Casanova’s own restless spirit, a bitter rivalry with the cunning Manucci begins to surface, threatening the very foundations of his standing at court.

Through candid reflections and sharp observations, the memoir offers a window into the precarious balance between charm and folly, showing how a single indiscretion can unravel even the most polished of reputations.