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The Duel (Hesperus Classics)
 
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The Duel (Hesperus Classics) (Paperback)

by Giacomo Casanova (Author), Tim Parks (Author), J.G. Nichols (Author)
4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
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Product details

  • Paperback: 128 pages
  • Publisher: Hesperus Press Ltd (28 Feb 2003)
  • Language English
  • ISBN-10: 1843910322
  • ISBN-13: 978-1843910329
  • Product Dimensions: 19.5 x 16.2 x 1.1 cm
  • Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
  • Amazon.co.uk Sales Rank: 937,615 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

    Popular in these categories:

    #12 in  Books > Fiction > Authors, A-Z > C > Casanova, Giacomo
    #40 in  Books > Fiction > Authors, A-Z > P > Parks, Tim
    #92 in  Books > Fiction > Short Stories > World > Italian

Product Description

The Spectator, 12 April 2003

'it is fascinating to read the fictional next to the factual version each illuminating and illuminated by the other'


Product Description

One of the few works written in Casanova's native Italian, The Duel is an important example of the infamous lothario's vivid prose and inimitable style. Having escaped from the infamous Piombi Prison in Venice, Casanova became an exile, travelling through Western Europe and being given shelter on account of his fame. The story recounts the duel he fought with a Polish nobleman, Count Branicky, who had insulted Casanova over a ballerina. Describing the deadly encounter and the surprising events it precipitated with sardonic and even blase wit, Casanova proves his literary prowess.

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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars Boys will be boys!, 5 Dec 2006
This very short story offers a fascinating account of 18th century tabloid journalism, describing the `Venetian's' reaction to a slanderous newspaper story about his unceremonious dismissal from Poland, involving the customary defamation of character etcetera. Interestingly Casanova gives us a view on the tabloid readership of the period: a majority who "go along with what is reported" (how little changes!). The responsible hack is dealt with in due course and I think Casanova, in this passage, shows us the strength of his compassion directed at people who do him harm. And this aspect of his character is reflected in the duel. A trifle matter lands the Venetian on the threshhold of death, which he humorously handles with Stoic equanimity accompanied by tongue in cheek commentary on how much he respects his opponent. I find it difficult to relate to the bizarre rituals of 18th century `gentleman': the (sometimes beneficial, often unhealthy) obsession with honour and status seems to propel these individuals into ridiculous unnecessary confrontations. The duel is an aristocratic relic of a fictionalised chivalric past; no fisticuffs here, just lumps of hot lead or razor sharp blades. The Venetian, however, seeks the prestige of aristocratic patronage, which can be a risky occupation, as detailed in this fluent, colourful narrative. The accompanying extract of the same incident taken from Casanova's monumental autobiography is a delightful addition as is the brief introduction by Tim Parks. This edition provides an excellent introduction to the life of this misinterpreted person (it is interesting to note that the quarrel, no matter how petty, involved a woman)!
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