Giacomo Casanova term in written English was around 1852. References in culture to Casanova are numerous—in books, films, theater, and music. Giacomo Casanova Giacomo Girolamo Casanova (; 2 April 1725 – 4 June 1798) was an Italian adventurer, Scottish Rite Master Mason and author from the Republic of Venice. His autobiography, "Histoire de ma vie" ("Story of My Life"), is regarded as one of the most authentic sources of the customs and norms of European social life during the 18th century. As was not uncommon at the time, Casanova, depending on circumstances, used more or less fictitious names, such as baron or
Giacomo Casanova but could not sustain it. He ran the business poorly, borrowed heavily trying to save it, and spent much of his wealth on constant liaisons with his female workers who were his "harem". For his debts, Casanova was imprisoned again, this time at For-l'Évêque, but was liberated four days afterwards, upon the insistence of the Marquise d'Urfé. Unfortunately, though he was released, his patron de Bernis was dismissed by Louis XV at that time and Casanova's enemies closed in on him. He sold the rest of his belongings and secured another mission to Holland to distance himself from his troubles.