CASTI, kas'te, Giambattista, Italian b. Montefiascone 1721; d. Paris, 7 Feb. 1803. lie studied at Montefiascone, became professor there, was appointed a canon and made a jour ney to France. Receiving an invitation from the Prince of Rosenberg, who became ac quainted with him in Florence, he went to Vienna and was presented to Joseph II, who knew how to appreciate the genius of the poet, and delighted in his conversation. Casti took advantage of every opportunity of visiting other courts and joined several embassies with out office or title. Catherine II received him in the most flattering manner. He visited also the court of Berlin and several other German courts. After his return to Prince Rosenberg, the director of the Imperial Theatre, caused him to be appointed poeta Cesare° on the death of Metastasio. After the death of Joseph II Casti requested his dismission• and retired to Florence, where he wrote many of his works. In 1783 he went to Paris. His
'Novelle were republished at Paris (1804), under the title 'Novelle di Giamb. Casti) in three volumes. They are 48 in num ber. Almost all are of a licentious character, but written in a lively, original and graceful style. The same may be said of his didactic satirical poem, 'Gli animali parlanti, poerna epico di Giamb. Casti) (Milan 1802, 5 vols.). There are translations of it in French, mid English. Casti's 'Rime anacreontiche' are pleasing, and his comic operas,.'I,a grotto. di Trofomo' and (I1 re Teodoro in Venezia,' etc.,, are full of wit • and originality, Is letters have been published in 'Miscellanea di storia italiana' (Vol. XII, Turin 1883). Consult Tommaseo, N., (Dizionario d'Estelica' (Vol. IV p. 75, Milan 18510-62)860); Foscolo, (Opere' (Vol.
, Florence, .