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 trustees of the first state lottery, and one of its best ticket salesmen. The enterprise earned him a large fortune quickly. With money in hand, he traveled in high circles and undertook new seductions. He duped many socialites with his occultism, particularly the Marquise Jeanne d'Urfé, using his excellent memory which made him appear to have a sorcerer's power of numerology. In Casanova's view, "deceiving a fool is an exploit worthy of an intelligent man". Casanova claimed to be a Rosicrucian and an alchemist, aptitudes which made him popular with some of the most prominent figures of the era, among