Arpan K. Banerjee
Solihull, England

The eighteenth-century polymath Casanova is best remembered today for his amorous adventures. Sadly, his considerable contributions in a variety of fields of learning are often forgotten. Giacomo Casanova was a linguist, soldier, clergyman, entrepreneur, mathematician, diplomat, and conman. He spent time in prison but also was an accomplished man of letters who wrote over forty books, including plays, poetry, correspondence, and a remarkable twelve-volume story of his life. He was also interested in medical matters and knew some of the great physicians of his day, including Boerhaave. He made contributions in the medical field and wrote about syphilis and other infectious diseases, as well as women’s health matters.

This book is the second volume by author David John Thompson about Casanova. In the first, he described what life was like in Casanova’s time. This second book takes an unusual approach, covering Casanova’s intellectual development within the backdrop of the era of eighteenth-century Enlightenment. He includes Casanova’s acquaintance with key philosophers of his time such as Voltaire, Diderot, and Rousseau. Casanova’s intellectual journey, mirrored by the philosophical debates of his time, helped mold his inquisitive spirit and provides insight into his wide range of interests.

Casanova would have been familiar with Greco-Roman writings, which were influential in shaping Western thought in the time of the Enlightenment. In particular, he was influenced by the writings of the Roman writer Horace, especially his book Art of Poetry. Casanova would himself go on to write a considerable volume of poetry. He was also influenced by the Italian Renaissance writer Ludovico Ariosto, who like Casanova wrote about strong women and took an irreverent and often anti-religious stance towards the supernatural. These ideas impacted Casanova’s ideas about love and desire. A libertine, he rejected the social mores of his time and was both an exploiter and exploited by women.

Casanova lived in an era in which science was replacing superstition as a prime determinant of reasoned debate. During the French Enlightenment, many public intellectuals became important figures in society. Prominent amongst them was Voltaire. His prodigious intellectual output (over 100 volumes of writings) would eclipse the not inconsiderable contributions of Casanova. Both men had similar literary, political, and historical interests. They were also well-traveled and often in trouble with authority. Casanova met Voltaire, and although in his writings was occasionally critical of him, acknowledged Voltaire’s towering intellect.

The philosopher Diderot compiled a famous encyclopedia at this time, which became an instrument to subvert authority. This also influenced Casanova during his time in Paris, which was then in the throes of challenges to religious authority. An intellectual revolution was taking shape. Rousseau also played an important role in the penning of Casanova’s memoirs. He too wrote an autobiographical work, his Confessions.

This well-written and extensively referenced book provides an insight into Casanova’s intellectual development, placing him into the philosophical context and tumultuous era of the Enlightenment.

Casanova and Enlightenment: His Study of Life and Other Writers
David John Thompson, 2024
Pen and Sword Books Ltd, Yorkshire
ISBN 9781399055833