The Memoirs of Count Carlo Gozzi; Volume the Second

In this volume, Gozzi explores his professional life in the Venetian theater more intensively, recounting the creation and reception of his famous fairy-tale plays, such as The Love for Three Oranges and Turandot. These fantastical works, which he intended as a direct challenge to the more realistic and sentimental dramas of his rival Carlo Goldoni, showcase Gozzi's imaginative flair and dedication to preserving the traditional forms of commedia dell'arte. He reflects on the controversies and debates that ensued between their different artistic philosophies, with Gozzi championing the importance of fantasy and allegory over the naturalistic depictions favored by Goldoni. The second volume of Gozzi’s memoirs also sheds light on the personal relationships that shaped his life and career, including his interactions with actors, playwrights, and intellectuals of the time. His detailed accounts of Venetian theatrical life, along with the struggles he faced in maintaining his artistic integrity, provide readers with a richer understanding of the inner workings of 18th-century Italian theater.