Memoirs of the Life and Writings of the Abate Metastasio

This biography, first published in 1796, recounts the life of Italian poet and librettist Pietro Trapassi (1698-1782). Alternating biographical narrative with translations of the poet's correspondence, it provides a faithful account of Metastasio's complex life and affairs. Volume 2 covers Metastasio's successful career in Vienna from 1751 to 1770.