J. Casanova De Seingalt — Memoires de J. Casanova de Seingalt

Paris, La Sirene, 1924-1935. Paperback. The Italian adventurer offers a narrative of his life in this twelve-volume set. An illustrated edition of Giacomo Girolamo Casanova's autobiography, based on the original manuscripts salvaged from Leipzig after the Second World War. Published in French with an introduction by the nineteenth century bibliophile Octave Uzanne. Alongside details of his complicated and elaborate affairs with women, the Italian adventurer discusses his brief careers as a clergyman and musician, his attempts at professional gambling, and his imprisonment. Candid about his faults and intentions, as well as his wins and losses, this entertaining set also provides insights into the customs and norms of European life during the eighteenth century. Prior owner's bookplate to the front pastedown of all volumes. From the library of Iain Finlayson, who was a Scottish writer and journalist best known for his biographies of James Boswell and Robert Browning. Finlayson also reviewed books for the Times, and published a novel under the pseudonym Matthew McAllister. Approximately half the pages across the set are untrimmed. With twenty five plates to volume I, collated and complete. With twenty one plates to volume II, collated and complete. With twenty five plates to volume III, collated and complete. With twenty four plates to volume IV, collated and complete. With eight plates to volume V, collated and complete. With eight plates to volume VI, collated and complete. With seven plates to volume VII, collated and complete. With six plates to volume VIII, collated and complete. With twelve plates to volume IX, collated and complete. With eight plates to volume X, collated and complete. With eight plates to volume XI, collated and complete. With eight plates to volume XII, collated and complete. In the publisher's original paper wraps, each in a protective mylar wrap. The majority of volumes are missing a slither of paper wrap to the head and tail of the spine, except for the volume IX which is missing around two-inches from the head and the tail. There is a two-inch tear in the wrap along the rear joint of volume I. Internally, generally firmly bound, although the majority of the set is also cracked to varying degrees along the spine so that some volumes are a little strained. The plate entitled Venice to volume II is disbound but present. Pages are bright and clean throughout. Good . Ill.: Various. Good .