Casanova: the Womanizer, Librarian and Scholar

Giacomo Girolamo Casanova is remembered mostly as a womanizer, but he was so much more. During his life, he was a professional musician, soldier, academic, diplomat and gentleman scholar. From the streets of Venice to the end of his life as a librarian in northern Bohemia, his life is history that deserves to be remembered.
This is original content based on research by The History Guy. Images in the Public Domain are carefully selected and provide illustration. As images of actual events are sometimes not available, images of similar objects and events are used for illustration.
All events are portrayed in historical context and for educational purposes. No images or content are primarily intended to shock and disgust. Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it. Non censuram.
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[@lincolnhudgens3007]

It seems that historical figures always have a greater depth than is popularly thought, one of the many reasons I enjoy the History Guy!

[@TrickiVicBB71]

Agreed. I only knew the name to be associated with love. Didn't know there was a person behind it.

[@kevinmhadley]

As a child, sitting in a classroom, I cared little for the history I was supposed to be learning. It was all dates and names and battles with little no context. It was little more than a list of facts that supported the magnificence of western civilization. Many years later I took a history class that put history into its proper context. There we learned more of what the entire world was experiencing at or around the time of a given event and read the words of those whose names were previously just names. That is what I love about this channel.It gives us the stories of history, stories that bring that long boring list of dates and names to life. It puts flesh on those old tired bones.

[@libertyman3729]

Kevin Hadley. YES I KNOW EXACTLY WHAT YOU MEANT. I FORTUNATELY HAD A COUPLE GREAT TEACHERS WHO WOULD BRING A SUBJECT TO LIFE AND IT WAS SO SATISFYING, JUST LIKE THE HIISTORY GUY. I THINK I GOT THE IDEA OF HOW TO RECEIVE INFORMATION FROM LISTI ING TO THE OLD RADIO SHOWS. THANKS HISTORY GUY.

[@WintrBorn]

I agree. I'd prefer we worry about general time periods (such as the US Civil War being the 1860s) and give children more interesting information to make history less boring. Especially now, when one can google "Battle of Hastings" to find out it was 1066, England, and William of Normandy won, rote memorization of useless info is less important than knowing what context caused an event and what the consequences are.

[@chuckwilliams6261]

@@WintrBorn William of Normandy won? That Bastard!

[@WintrBorn]

Charles Williams 😂

[@nozecone]

@@WintrBorn It's not the same as carrying a general framework of history around in your head. Just like having a GPS is not the same as knowing your way around a city.

[@mulford7240]

A turning point in life... when in 1960, at the age of 11, I discovered the pastel green, flower embellished 6-volume set of the memoirs of Jacques Casanova De Seingalt on my parent's bookshelf. From his writings, read cover to cover, I learned that while being a raconteur is useful in life, the most important single element of a -relationship-is listening...

[@JagerLange]

"He had been a musician, a diplomat, a cleric, an occultist and a Freemason - and by his own account, a sophisticated lover of women... The man's name- *HI I'M THE HISTORY GUY*

[@stevesayewich8594]

Casanova was a flesh and blood person. Don Juan was not. Yet, it interesting to do a compare and contrast. For what I understand, Casanova, never portrayed himself as something he wasn't. He was talented at many things. Don Juan was a darker soul who would ingratiate himself with promises of lifelong love and commitment. Then he would abruptly leave the scene. Casanova was just being Casanova.

[@heatherwhittaker6169]

You are a gift History Guy...I had always wondered about the history of Casanova..Thank you for this...and all of your videos..

[@jasonhengst8897]

i just wanted to say thank you for everything you have taught me. ill keep watching

[@superque4]

I am SO tired of clicking your videos KNOWING that I'll loose interest in only a few seconds; just to be thirsty for more when the video ends. GREAT JOB AS ALWAYS!

[@MisterSiza78]

Benjamin Franklin and Casanova, now that's an interesting encounter.

[@brianew]

Lock up your daughters, Ben and Cass are in town

[@deadfreightwest5956]

Indeed, when THG mentioned Casanova hobnobbing with the most influential people, I immediately thought of Ben Franklin, who was no slouch on the couch with the ladies himself.

[@kevinconrad6156]

Bet that was quit a party B & C had.

[@DirtyHairy1]

If time travelling was a tourist thing, I would attend that

[@skyden24195]

Right!!!

[@bigblue6917]

I had vague idea there was more to him then his reputation would have us believe. Definitely well worth remembering. Thanks

[@stoneyll]

As always, another fascinating episode of history.. Best channel I have subscribed to.

[@JudithSanchez-ht6jn]

Stoney Curtis me too and I am a history lover. I like to go to museum and historical houses and greatest man and woman.

[@robotslug]

Thanks for another Morning tale History Guy, and wife!

[@Eclispestar]

Yay my night job pays off by getting to a new vid 5min after it's up

[@InspiredJJ]

I always appreciate your uploads. Thank you.

[@mitchelvalentino1569]

Casanova’s memoir is one of the best books I’ve ever read.

[@doggedout]

For some reason, his story always reminds me of the Kubric movie "Barry Lyndon". Men of the era who could apparently just wander the continent, gambling, grifting and acquiring patrons who would finance their hedonistic lifestyles. Nice work if you can get it!

[@blacksmith67]

I was reminded of the same.

[@jec1ny]

Same here. And very good movie at that.

[@grogery1570]

In a time with no television, books and newspapers rare and expensive a traveler from almost anywhere could be the best entertainment available. Once you have a seat at the table many things are possible.

[@PhilJonesIII]

Letters of introduction. I had heard about them but didn't understand their use until I started reading about Richard Francis Burton. A letter of introduction was exactly what the name suggests: An introduction that carried a personal reference of good character, of the type that would 'fit' in that social circle. You could stay at the home even with the patron absent and for what seemed an indefinite period. The patrons were often rich and I get the impression that some even forgot their guests were still there. There were rules of course and I guess they changed over time. No letter of introduction and you were out in the cold.

[@ribbitgoesthedoglastnamehe4681]

@@PhilJonesIII Not necessarily, and with a letter, your welcome only lasted as long as your host felt like it. Surely there were some patrons who were more curious, more adventurous or risk taking, or who simply had the means to take the risk. Besides, in those days, you could know an educated gentleman simply from the way he moved, or spoke, and no ruffian could fake table manners. In the same way, it would take some acting skill just to hide your childhood education. Nobility and educated people had more in common from different countries, than with people in their own home village.

[@Darltornjacket]

Thank You, I have been casting about for a new book to read. This may be the one. I always enjoy your talks

[@bobzilla6618]

I had always heard about being a "Casanova" but never knew what it meant. A very interesting character, he was. Thanks for the video!

[@TheRojo387]

He was a bastard, you know!

[@vickinoeske1711]

Love your historical videos💖

[@brucesims3228]

Thank you for correcting my erroneous view of the historic Cassanova as flighty and irresponsible. While there was that side to him, I was not aware of the more Human side which included his biography. Thanks again.

[@chuckvt5196]

Who knew the breadth of this man's life and knowledge? Thank you for enlightening us!

[@diannhall7564]

I did enjoy this episode ☺️. Thank you.

[@ACEFDD]

Wow I'd never heard about this. Thanks for making the video!

[@DawnOldham]

I’ve never once stopped to think who/where the term, “Casanova” came from! ( and I wonder about those types of things a lot. Lol) SO interesting to hear the fuller history of the man, and not just his dalliances. My final take on the man is that he was pretty self-serving, and not someone I could imagine as a loyal friend. Realizing that his good looks no longer served him caused him to feel he had died and the thing that gave him the energy to live again was to WRITE thousands of pages about his past sexual encounters!! Of course, his book has served history well, so there’s that. 😊 What an interesting piece of history - his name, after all is still used hundreds of years later to reference a man who flits from woman to woman! And now we know so much more. Thank you, Mr. History Guy!

[@sameyers2670]

Thank you for another interesting video History Guy, all I knew about Casonova was his conquests.

[@1pussychicken]

Such a fascinating story of the life of an individual who I had thought was only an infamous rake. I really enjoyed this and thank you for publishing it. ;-)

[@brianew]

Another slam dunk, HG. Thank you

[@32thomasneely]

Your videos and the subjects are just absolutely superb !!!!!!

[@hhuggman1]

Yet another amazing look back at history that deserves to be remembered. It caused me to look back at my many...err never mind! We Love You Mr. History Guy!!

[@TheHighSpaceWizard]

Another fantastic episode. Thank you.

[@malcolmkhummel3]

History Guy...fresh off the You Tuber press. Well done sir.

[@dennisdempsey6011]

I enjoy your work, as a fellow history buff I recently attended a Civil War encampment in Minot Maine. The time I spent at this encampment led me to ask you to cover Two events of that war, the first being the Rebel attempt to seize a Revenue Cutter in Portland harbor the Second would be about the United States Sanitary Commissions buying and out fitting the FIRST Hospital ship in history . The story of the Hospital Ship was told by one of the presenters and was right up your ally .

[@davidbabey5195]

Just a thank you. I love history. But due to a busy work life I don’t have a lot of time to read. How ever I can listen to the radio therefore thanks to blue tooth I love your channel. Keep up the good work. Thank you David uk 🇬🇧

[@rkkotilley358]

will bet that history professors watch this channel

[@shelbybrown8312]

Him and Benjamin Franklin would definitely be one heck of a team Ben Franklin was Notorious with the ladies and I can only imagine how great either one of them would be as a wingman

[@andyZ3500s]

As a wingman ---- we work as a team

[@Elijahluke1995]

Those two with Cyrano de Bergerac would make a terrifying trio

[@ribbitgoesthedoglastnamehe4681]

You mean you would go on a double date, and your wingman would have a threesome?

[@michaelhorn8962]

I want to see that movie! Who do we cast?

[@scorpion19142001]

@@michaelhorn8962 Just for laugh! Hire D. Trump!

[@christopherpappas7474]

HG Thanks, I only knew of him by his nefarious deeds in the bedroom from history class. I am going to get a copy of his book and read it several times. He does sound like the kind of character I would love to have had as a friend:)

[@flamencoprof]

His Memoirs are available free at Project Gutenberg, a fantastic resource. The Memoirs of Jacques Casanova de Seingalt, 1725-1798. Complete by Casanova www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/2981

[@75RWM]

Entertaining story, great way to start the early morning. Brings to mind a public television broadcast on his life seen years ago.

[@MarineVet]

Lindybeige and The History Guy, excellent sources for some of the most interesting tales from history.

[@hyfy-tr2jy]

Another day watching a History Guy video is another day well spent

[@MarkIreland_carrierband]

Casonova became famous since his memoir was censored because of what he said about The Church and The French Revolution

[@d4mdcykey]

Somehow I never knew practically any of these fascinating details about Casanova. Great video, and much food for thought.

[@misskimpegues]

Very interesting thank you . I love learning something new every day .. and your videos make it so much more fun to do..

[@CloseUp1961]

It was also well known that Casanova was involved with Cagliostro in the infamous Affair of the Necklace in Louis XVi´s court.

[@deanstuart8012]

Nice to see the new addition to your shelves. Since you're doing Tankfest next year I might as well order my tickets now to avoid the rush.

[@ghrey8282]

Excellent! Well done sir! More to read...

[@davejames1452]

Thank you,very interesting as allways 🙂

[@catholiccrusader5328]

Casanova was one helllova' traveling man! Great stuff History Guy; keep it comin.'

[@edglunz9917]

As always THG smoothly moves us through a episode filled with daring escapades. This thing with twists and turns many were never aware of! And why are we not that knowledgeable??? Mainly because he wasn't available for our History Teacher. WOW Thanks to The History Guy and His Marvellous Team in bring to life the true Loves of Casanova!

[@rowdy3869]

New to your site really great

[@graycav56]

“He’s in a better place now”...said no one at Casanova’s funeral.

[@deetrvl4life875]

Your presentation of this man is so entertaining and I especially liked the gleam in your eye! ;) An unbridled gentleman I would say!

[@alliefabs7429]

Randomly found this and I'm already hooked

[@garethbaus5471]

"Only 11 years old at the time" dang this guy got around.

[@rvail136]

I really enjoy your snippets of history. I too have degrees in history though for political reasons I don't teach any more. What I don't understand is how someone can give you a down thumb.

[@grundergesellscahftmkii6196]

See "Sixpacfish" comments. You'd see why...

[@drmichaelshea]

There is always a small segment of the population that responds thumbs down to everything, no matter how well done or how significant the event. I believe it is an inherited neurologic disorder, probably associated with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease.

[@ribbitgoesthedoglastnamehe4681]

@@drmichaelshea I believe the medical term is Piss-for-brains, but I appreciate your layman effort. ;-)

[@drmichaelshea]

Ribbitgoesthedog Lastnamehereyeah finally someone appreciates my erudition! It’s nice to be appreciated. Thank you. ;-D

[@ribbitgoesthedoglastnamehe4681]

@@drmichaelshea Youre welcome, doc. :-)

[@silascochran9705]

This one's been sitting on my watch later list I forgot all about it good one history guy

[@ginmills160]

Awww! That was very very interesting! Thank you!!

[@steadymurphing]

This is an amazing video!!!!

[@emmahardesty4330]

Thank you. Will definitely read his memoir, never before realizing there is real heft behind the legend. Interesting that so many artists did his portrait.

[@ThePeaceableKingdom]

Most excellent. Much enjoyed.

[@jameszion1982]

Your enjoyment in telling this story is obvious, and good on you!

[@34bartm]

Wish I could give this video more than just a like. Very entertaining and well told story.

[@johngrant5388]

Thank you once again Mr. & Mrs. History Guy and family. This was an enjoyable and interesting look into a captivating figure from history. Thanks for opening the book so to say and providing several key facts and short stories from his life that paint a compelling look into an interesting figures life. It’s amazing to me how little history teachers and professors teach about historical figures such as Casanova. It’s good we have Simone like you to to take the time to research and present this material and subject matter in a well organized, precise and interesting way. Thanks again and have a nice day.

[@orangelion03]

Brilliant! Does anyone of a certain age here recall the PBS show hosted by Steve Allen, Meeting Of Minds? For some reason, this episode made me think of that show (which I loved).

[@catholiccrusader5328]

I loved that program! Too bad they canceled it.

[@6strings7fingers]

Love your videos! Would you please consider making an episode on the Golden Age of Fraternalism, a period in US history from 1865 to 1910 when as many as one in four men were active members of one or several fraternal organizations?

[@jimlawrence6732]

Can you do something on the Ludlow Massacre? Federal troops attacking Colorado miners in 1914

[@rudolfyakich6653]

H.G. I love your enthusiasm even now at the end of a very long work day.

[@aarons767]

Mr History Guy I've only recently found your channel but what about a piece on the Potstam Giants? If you haven't done it already I've always found the story of the Regiment interesting, you tell these stores so well that it feels like you're the highschool history teacher I never had and further more that I have an essay due on Monday for you lol

[@greatskytrollantidrama4473]

Casanova was a KZbinr before YT

[@TheSoitenly]

He had quite a life, and yet died as a librarian.

[@JohnSmith-bx1mp]

Sounds good to me!

[@nickzta]

he also dilapidated the equivalent of several millions of today's money in gambling and luxury expenses. He was pretty lucky to get the librarian post in the end - the job was given to him as a favour, otherwise he would have ended up begging in the streets.

[@nycbearff]

Librarians are crucial to civilization - and they actively protect freedom of speech, like the librarians of Kabul who saved Afghani films and books from destruction by the Taliban, or the librarians of Timbuktu who did the same when confronted by radical islamists, at the risk of their lives. In the West, librarians have fought against religious and political censorship, too. It is honorable that he died as a librarian - it enhances his story.

[@timmy4854]

Love your channel. Have you done the Nelson's Landing flood of 1974 or the New Madrid earthquakes of 1811-1812?

[@jennysekulic7224]

Please keep up your good works. I would love to see your significant other do another topic again. I enjoyed her so much.

[@sandrajohnstone5813]

Banjo Paterson, Aussie poet/writer would be interesting. Also Breaker Morant, Boer war hero.

[@timothyreilly7445]

Thanks, History Guy. I truly appreciate your contributions. You’ve made a lot of people more happy. I do wish there was a way to more fully express my gratitude, monetarily, rather than buying a coffee cup or a shirt. My life-long credo is to over-tip, whenever possible and I feel swag is nickel and dimes compared to the value that I place on your content. Please consider a “make an offer” option for the purchase of a special item that would allow viewers to better reciprocate your generosity. I would also submit that followers would even be willing to sponsor various subjects....auctions anyone?? The World is a better place when people are using their strengths and talents to benefit their fellow man. I don’t think I’m the only one that feels compelled to reward someone (you) for the betterment of our lives. Cups aint nearly enough.

[@shadowraith1]

As one of the very few mémoires of the time. Much of that times histories are described. I can see where you value the work with your passion for history.

[@clintwarlick9241]

Thank you ever so much for this particular video.if there ever was a more compelling reason to sign up to be on your patreon, I have yet to see it. I do not know if you have done anyting on the real Cyrano de Bergerac, but if you do I would like to see that. Both of these men have always been heroes of mine and I do appreciate your work.

[@bootlegboo]

This is the only channel that I hit the like button before watching the presentation.

[@artsmart]

Started reading the "History of my Life" by Casanova and 6-7 weeks later finished it;) Actually looked forward to reading it each night and by the end had developed a definite affinity with/for the man. The history guy is right, he was so much more than most know. If you want an epic read, this is it!

[@lavejim11]

Hey History Guy...First let me say I love your channel and find it very interesting and informative. I live on the Gulf Coast of Texas and wonder if you would be interested in doing a piece on when the Civil War came to Southeast Texas, or the Battle of Sabine Pass and Lt. Dick Dowling. It is quite an interesting story of how a local boy won one of the few confederate naval victories of the war.

[@chiggerx9407]

Thank you sir, most elucidating!

[@trapperkcmo3460]

if forced to choose one word to describe all these vignettes of the past from you it would be poignant. no, thats the word i would choose. no matter the subject you always find a way to stir me internally. thank you.

[@roryhertzog5282]

Casanova? I thought this one will be boring. This is the history guy. It has to be good. I truly enjoyed it. Thank you

[@groermaik]

I have to read those memoirs. Thanks.

[@mech-a-redneck9745]

I enjoy your content. Could you do an episode on Allegheny Airlines Flight 736. Please & Thanks

[@craigevans6156]

At the end of your narration, there was a definite twinkle in your eye!

[@johnkelley9877]

I new his name was always associated with being a womanizer but I never knew his history. I can see why he is so well known after writing a book with so munch detail of the 18th century. Thanks for sharing this.

[@heronimousbrapson863]

Perhaps you could do a segment on Louis Riel?

[@Jamesmartens55]

You should do a segment on Van Diemens Land!

[@agentsmithofthematrix5111]

I figured the V.D.'s would become a problem 👀

[@jec1ny]

One night with venus and a lifetime with mercury.

[@ribbitgoesthedoglastnamehe4681]

"French letters" existed, and Casanova used them.

[@fastaslightfiber2534]

130 is a big number back then

[@mebsrea]

Fastaslightfiber It’s a big number now, for a straight man at least.

[@fabrisseterbrugghe8567]

Half a lemon used as a diaphragm was a favorite of his.

[@broganslayton8727]

Still the best channel on the internet

[@vaclav_fejt]

The French may be known as the best lovers, yet we finally got Casanova.

[@Carlton_Wilson]

The French are known for being very passionate lovers, not for being good at it.

[@ribbitgoesthedoglastnamehe4681]

Being a great lover is simple, yet difficult for many. All you have to do is love. Love in more ways than one, more than romantically, but at the same time love platonically, as a friend and companion, with willingness to give up the love for her benefit, not to possess for yours. Love equally with your head and your heart, and to always love the mind more than the body. Its simple, and easy. Yet so few can do it, since it requires not lecherousness, but the type of purity which sees sex simply as one form of love and comfort, and does neither seek pleasure for its own sake, or wallow in guilt or feeling of sin for loving other as easily as the one before. Love without possession, its the hardest of all.

[@vaclav_fejt]

@@ribbitgoesthedoglastnamehe4681 I know, found the hard way. Simple doesn't mean easy. Or, from my point of view, I can't tackle the problem just by sheer logic and compassion, there's a mystery area.

[@ribbitgoesthedoglastnamehe4681]

@@vaclav_fejt To solve a problem, one must first state the exact problem. You know the story about the wish-granting djinni? Its the same way with solving problems. Unless you state the exact and correct problem, you will get a solution that does not correspond with your actual needs. If your problem is "the usual one", i have two advice. For sex, seek those who seek sex too. You wont succeed with those who dont share that goal. For relationship, seek a friend. Someone who you enjoy being with, and someone who enjoys you. Find what is your goal in life, what are your values, and seek those who share those goals and values. Do it and enjoy it. Similar people will seek you out just like you seek them. And if you wish to marry, be husband material. Be ready to settle in life. If someone wishes to marry, not wishing to marry is an instant refusal. When I was younger, I met a girl. Nice looking, nice person. We talked. She said she likes nature and wants to live in countryside. I said I could not live a long distance from city, or take time for the hundred little things a house and yard need done. She never looked at me again. Some people are not compatible, and sometimes people are in different phases of their lives. Now I enjoy the quiet of the nature. Maybe life took her to the city instead.

[@choo_choo_]

Damn, I half expected him to say that he also had a best friend with white hair that fought monsters for a living. The dude is Dandelion straight up.

[@bullettube9863]

I would have loved to be a fly on the wall when Casanova and Ben Franklin got together! Both men were known for their many varied interests not least of course was their love of women!

[@TheKyPerson]

Casanova was a librarian born on April 2. Me too. But that's about all the resemblance between him and me. Interesting guy.

[@Tjspycorp]

You should do an episode on the corvette right now while it’s still a big topic. Tons of views will come from it I assure you

[@dcolb121]

I'll be damned. Thanks for all the great info. When I first saw this channel, I thought I wouldn't like it. I was wrong.

[@fitzjamie1176]

Fascinating. Also, could you tell me about the portrait @ 2:34? Who was the subject/artist? Thanks!!

[@mongolike513]

His achievements at creating state lotteries are worth more investigation. Total dude.

[@donnamartin8227]

Listening to women...what a concept. The ultimate turn on, no wonder so many women opened up to him.

[@cdjhyoung]

donna martin: Agreed. But a life skill so few men ever attempt. (Oh, I'm a guy...)

[@IamMe10-4]

He "listened" to them.

[@whoareyou1034]

Just listen to everyone. Man or woman, young or old.

[@caryulmer5578]

Simple Person Agreed. Being attractive catches a person's eye but It's really all about how you make the other person feel that's important. It's amazing how an unattractive person can start looking real attractive when the are attentive to you, interested in you & what you have to say, & kind to you.

[@fred4089]

Hi Donna.

[@pratikbankar2053]

Sir, how about a video on canes ? Or oxford shoes?

[@jessopdude3286]

Hey you should do a video on the hauns mill massacre in Missouri