The Memoirs of Jacques Casanova de Seingalt, 1725-1798. Volume 18: Return to Naples

In this lively instalment of Casanova’s memoirs, the famed wanderer returns to Italy, slipping from the grandeur of Rome into the bustling streets of Naples. He is ushered into the austere chambers of Cardinal Passionei, where a candid, almost scandalous conversation about the Pope and the politics of the Holy See unfolds. Casanova’s quick wit shines as he records the cardinal’s blunt assessments, offering a rare glimpse into the inner workings of the Vatican’s power struggles.

The narrative weaves together the author’s sharp observations with his love of literary curiosities. He recalls a spirited exchange with the scholar Winckelmann, debates the merits of a potential new pontiff, and decides to present the cardinal with a prized, finely bound volume from his own collection. Through witty dialogue and vivid detail, the memoir captures the charm and intrigue of a world where philosophy, politics, and personal reputation collide, inviting listeners to step into the bustling courts of 18th‑century Italy.