The Memoirs of Jacques Casanova de Seingalt, 1725-1798. Volume 07: Venice

In 1743 a restless twenty‑eight‑year‑old arrives in Vienna, dressed well but pockets light, clutching a single recommendation letter addressed to the celebrated poet‑librettist Metastasio. Their first conversation reveals the poet’s modesty and painstaking craft, as he reads unpublished verses and explains the labor behind each perfect line. Through this encounter the narrator discovers the fragile balance between brilliance and struggle that defines the city’s artistic world.

Shortly after, he navigates the bustling Imperial Library, reconnects with old acquaintances, and receives a modest loan that steadies his finances long enough to contemplate a journey to Venice. The narrative captures the vibrant social scene—opera rehearsals, lively salons, and the intricate web of patrons and performers—while hinting at the allure of the lagoon city awaiting him. It is a vivid portrait of youthful ambition, cultural intrigue, and the bittersweet reality of living on the edge of patronage.