The real fascination of the career of Giacomo Casanova is often overlooked by those who know of him only for his sexual exploits. Great lover he was, perhaps; but he was also much more. The bastard son of Venetian actors, he rose to consort with scholars and cardinals, kings and noblemen and to write one of the raciest autobiographies of all time. Lawyer, churchman, gambler, Freemason, musician, impresario, confidence trickster - master of situations and victim of most - Casanova is one of the most colourful and versatile figures of the 18th century. This biography of the real-life Don Juan tells of his life and offers a view of the high-life in 18th century Europe.