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The Shorter Pepys: Selected and Edited from the Diary of Samuel Pepys
Generations of readers have found Pepys' diaries one of the best ways to vicariously experience the tumultuous world of seventeenth century London, the time of Restoration, the Plague, and the Great Fire. The short Pepys recreates this world for readers daunted by the complete multi-volume set of diaries. Containing about one-third of the original, the abridgment is full enough to give us just the essence but the detail of Pepys' daily life.
1096 pages, Hardcover
First published August 6, 1985
60 people are currently reading
199 people want to read
About the author
Samuel Pepys
985 books73 followersSamuel Pepys was an English naval administrator and Member of Parliament, who is now most famous for his diary. Although Pepys had no maritime experience, he rose by patronage, hard work and his talent for administration, to be the Chief Secretary to the Admiralty under King James II. His influence and reforms at the Admiralty were important in the early professionalization of the Royal Navy.
The detailed private diary he kept during 1660–1669 was first published in the nineteenth century, and is one of the most important primary sources for the English Restoration period. It provides a combination of personal revelation and eyewitness accounts of great events, such as the Great Plague of London, the Second Dutch War and the Great Fire of London.
His surname is usually pronounced /'pi:ps/ ('peeps').
The detailed private diary he kept during 1660–1669 was first published in the nineteenth century, and is one of the most important primary sources for the English Restoration period. It provides a combination of personal revelation and eyewitness accounts of great events, such as the Great Plague of London, the Second Dutch War and the Great Fire of London.
His surname is usually pronounced /'pi:ps/ ('peeps').
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
September 5, 2016
Reading Pepys was relatively tough, challenging and informative since the great diarist wrote his 'journall' to record his daily life in London and his work under the patronage of Sir Edward Montagu as well as in the Navy Office from January 1660-May 1669, in other words, he "unlocks the door to his fascinating private and domestic life and provides a priceless key to the intellectual and social history of the seventeenth century". (back cover)
First, We would find Pepys’s diary entries in this 1,096-page book a bit tough due to, of course, our unfamiliarity in terms of their English spellings and grammar used some 350 years ago. I think they have been linguistically retained as the idea of both editors who presumably want to present Pepys as nearly as the original texts as possible. Therefore, we need time and reflection to grasp basic understanding of the following excerpts:
…, to see how Duncomb doth take upon him is an eysore, … (p. 783) [doth = does; eysore = eyesore]
…, where all our hearts do now ake; … (p. 787) [ake = ache]
…, but I must confess I do not think it is not altogether so beautiful as the oyle pictures, … (p. 984) [oyle = oil]
etc.
Up by 5 a-clock … (p. 534) Called up about 4 of the clock, … (p. 536) [a-clock, of the clock = o’clock]
…, an so home to supper (my people busy making mince pies) and so to bed. … (p. 706) [ busy + Ving: grammar form notably used then and still nowadays ]
…; and were mightily pleased therewith and spent the whole afternoon thereupon; … (p. 948) [mightily = very]
etc.
Moreover, we sometime need to consult a section of “Select Glossary” (pp. 1029-1033) on mostly obsolete words or phrases marked by an asterisk (*) by that particular word or phrase in the diary, for instance:
…, and an able man and very Cunning*. (p. 77) [able = wealthy; cunning = knowing, knowledgeable]
…, played well some Lyra lessons*, … (p. 127) [lesson = piece of music]
…, and the most zealous people that ever I saw in my life; even to admiration*, … (p. 158) [admire = wonder]
etc.
Second, Reading this book categorized as Biography/Autobiography would not be similar to reading our page-turner novels, therefore, it is more feasible if we plan to finish reading it year by year and within that year, how long would we hope to cope with its 12 months? It is like scaling a mountain so I think we have no choice but keep going and hope we can make it soon. I mean it is challenging to reach the finish line after a long-distance walking/running race. Unfortunately, I found another barrier concerning the two foreign languages Pepys knew well, that is, French and Spanish; their words as appeared might infuriate his readers who don't know them. Thus, I simply left those incomprehensible words, phrases, lines, etc. at that and hoped I could find a solution possibly via the internet or some kind friends. If the Penguin Books editorial staff asked me for its essential revision, I would propose a section of “French/Spanish Glossary” containing all of those French/Spanish entries in Pages 1-1023 (if any). This supplementary strategy should, I think, increase its wider readership due to the ‘barrier’ breaking because its readers can understand more on what Pepys wrote confidentially by consulting the new glossary. For instance:
August 6. Dressed and had my head combed by my little girle, to whom I confess que je sum demasiado kind, nuper ponendo saepe mes mains in su dos choses de son breast. Mais il faut que je leave it, lest it bring me to alguno major inconvenience. … (p. 512) [French?]
May 31. … And here yo did besar ella, but have not opportunity para hazer mas with her as I would have offered if yo had had it. … (p. 1023) [Spanish?]
From these two excerpts, we can see how hopeless we are unless we know French and Spanish or the book has the French/Spanish Glossary mentioned above.
Thirdly, Reading this awe-inspiring diary could be informative especially to those interested in 17th century London who might browse through any topic they preferred, for example, on the Great Fire (p. 659 onwards), rampant robbers (p. 985), his infamous affair with their maid named Deb followed by a bitter row with his jealous wife, Betty (p. 989 onwards), etc. However, I also found some linguistic and social information surprisingly interesting as follows:
i) These typical sentences: “… I cannot help it.” (p. 433), “… I could not help it.” (p. 621, p. 1001), “… it cannot be helped.” (p. 996) etc. seem to have a spoken Thai equivalent, ช่วยไม่ได้ (informal), used popularly in the 60’s but now it’s a bit rare. I wonder how and when they have emigrated into our language.
ii) Pepys’s precise words, phrases, sentences, etc. have long since admired; one studying English as a foreign language may apply in writing his/her own diary, for instance, “… ; and so to bed. (p. 19, passim), “…, it being a fine day.” (p. 943), “… ; and my wife did tell me in bed, by the by, of my looking on other people, and that the only way is to put things out of sight; and this I know she means by Deb, …” (p. 955 ), etc.
iii) Astonishingly, some foreign imported goods were recorded such as “… and China oranges (now a great rarity since the war; none to be had), …” (p. 595)
etc.
In short, this literarily groundbreaking diary is definitely valuable for those interested in English history focused on London where Pepys lived and worked as well as various topics related to London’s society, the Navy administration, the war with the Dutch navy, sightseeing, weather, how they had a good time at night, etc. If we find this copy intimidating, please find one of the other editions with current English and less French and Spanish (or none) and I think we can read it more conveniently and enjoyably.
First, We would find Pepys’s diary entries in this 1,096-page book a bit tough due to, of course, our unfamiliarity in terms of their English spellings and grammar used some 350 years ago. I think they have been linguistically retained as the idea of both editors who presumably want to present Pepys as nearly as the original texts as possible. Therefore, we need time and reflection to grasp basic understanding of the following excerpts:
…, to see how Duncomb doth take upon him is an eysore, … (p. 783) [doth = does; eysore = eyesore]
…, where all our hearts do now ake; … (p. 787) [ake = ache]
…, but I must confess I do not think it is not altogether so beautiful as the oyle pictures, … (p. 984) [oyle = oil]
etc.
Up by 5 a-clock … (p. 534) Called up about 4 of the clock, … (p. 536) [a-clock, of the clock = o’clock]
…, an so home to supper (my people busy making mince pies) and so to bed. … (p. 706) [ busy + Ving: grammar form notably used then and still nowadays ]
…; and were mightily pleased therewith and spent the whole afternoon thereupon; … (p. 948) [mightily = very]
etc.
Moreover, we sometime need to consult a section of “Select Glossary” (pp. 1029-1033) on mostly obsolete words or phrases marked by an asterisk (*) by that particular word or phrase in the diary, for instance:
…, and an able man and very Cunning*. (p. 77) [able = wealthy; cunning = knowing, knowledgeable]
…, played well some Lyra lessons*, … (p. 127) [lesson = piece of music]
…, and the most zealous people that ever I saw in my life; even to admiration*, … (p. 158) [admire = wonder]
etc.
Second, Reading this book categorized as Biography/Autobiography would not be similar to reading our page-turner novels, therefore, it is more feasible if we plan to finish reading it year by year and within that year, how long would we hope to cope with its 12 months? It is like scaling a mountain so I think we have no choice but keep going and hope we can make it soon. I mean it is challenging to reach the finish line after a long-distance walking/running race. Unfortunately, I found another barrier concerning the two foreign languages Pepys knew well, that is, French and Spanish; their words as appeared might infuriate his readers who don't know them. Thus, I simply left those incomprehensible words, phrases, lines, etc. at that and hoped I could find a solution possibly via the internet or some kind friends. If the Penguin Books editorial staff asked me for its essential revision, I would propose a section of “French/Spanish Glossary” containing all of those French/Spanish entries in Pages 1-1023 (if any). This supplementary strategy should, I think, increase its wider readership due to the ‘barrier’ breaking because its readers can understand more on what Pepys wrote confidentially by consulting the new glossary. For instance:
August 6. Dressed and had my head combed by my little girle, to whom I confess que je sum demasiado kind, nuper ponendo saepe mes mains in su dos choses de son breast. Mais il faut que je leave it, lest it bring me to alguno major inconvenience. … (p. 512) [French?]
May 31. … And here yo did besar ella, but have not opportunity para hazer mas with her as I would have offered if yo had had it. … (p. 1023) [Spanish?]
From these two excerpts, we can see how hopeless we are unless we know French and Spanish or the book has the French/Spanish Glossary mentioned above.
Thirdly, Reading this awe-inspiring diary could be informative especially to those interested in 17th century London who might browse through any topic they preferred, for example, on the Great Fire (p. 659 onwards), rampant robbers (p. 985), his infamous affair with their maid named Deb followed by a bitter row with his jealous wife, Betty (p. 989 onwards), etc. However, I also found some linguistic and social information surprisingly interesting as follows:
i) These typical sentences: “… I cannot help it.” (p. 433), “… I could not help it.” (p. 621, p. 1001), “… it cannot be helped.” (p. 996) etc. seem to have a spoken Thai equivalent, ช่วยไม่ได้ (informal), used popularly in the 60’s but now it’s a bit rare. I wonder how and when they have emigrated into our language.
ii) Pepys’s precise words, phrases, sentences, etc. have long since admired; one studying English as a foreign language may apply in writing his/her own diary, for instance, “… ; and so to bed. (p. 19, passim), “…, it being a fine day.” (p. 943), “… ; and my wife did tell me in bed, by the by, of my looking on other people, and that the only way is to put things out of sight; and this I know she means by Deb, …” (p. 955 ), etc.
iii) Astonishingly, some foreign imported goods were recorded such as “… and China oranges (now a great rarity since the war; none to be had), …” (p. 595)
etc.
In short, this literarily groundbreaking diary is definitely valuable for those interested in English history focused on London where Pepys lived and worked as well as various topics related to London’s society, the Navy administration, the war with the Dutch navy, sightseeing, weather, how they had a good time at night, etc. If we find this copy intimidating, please find one of the other editions with current English and less French and Spanish (or none) and I think we can read it more conveniently and enjoyably.
July 27, 2015
This might sound like a strange comparison, but in one respect, Samuel Pepys resembles George MacDonald Fraser’s fictional Harry Flashman, in that he was, in many ways, an appalling human being but still the reader ends up rather liking him, not least because of his brutal honesty about his own failings.
By his own account, Pepys was a vain and selfish man. He was a hypocrite in his loud condemnation of the systematic corruption of his day while receiving ‘presents’ from contractors himself. Worst of all was the abominable way he treated his poor wife, cheating on her, bullying her, even hitting her, despite the fact that they seem, amazingly, to have had genuine affection for each other.
Yet he was not without his virtues. In addition to Flashman’s frankness about himself, he had something that eluded the fictional cad, a sincere desire to be a better man. Sadly, despite numerous resolutions, he did not succeed in this in his role as husband, but he did in his career as a civil servant. His hard work and his desire to learn turned a sinecure post into one of the foundations of the highly professionalised Royal Navy that was to become such an important factor in the history of the world over the next three centuries.
Along the way, he provides a wonderfully vibrant portrait of Restoration London. His thrilling accounts of major events like the Great Fire of London are justly famous, but it is his descriptions of daily life that fascinate most. A man of broad interests and knowledge, he had a superb eye for detail and a shrewd understanding of human nature.
He seems to have known everyone who was anyone in Restoration London. He was one of the early members of the Royal Society and took an active interest in its scientific work. He was also friendly with artists and theatre folk, including Nell Gwyn – ‘pretty, witty Nell,’ whose attraction is understandable even after all these years.
An incorrigible social climber, he skirted the fringes of Court life, and, although he never rose to the very top, he got close enough to power to see how it worked. His assessments of his time and place command respect. The administration of the Restored Stuarts is compared unfavourably with the honesty and efficiency of the previous regime of the Lord Protector, Oliver Cromwell, and Pepys makes it clear it was never as secure as it might appear in retrospect – but Pepys is perhaps too much the professional civil servant to appreciate fully the political skill of Charles II in balancing different factions to survive against the odds.
Even the ‘Shorter Pepys,’ about a third of his full Diary, is a heavy book, but the Latham edition is provided with an excellent index, glossary, and introduction, as well as fine maps, so it is easy to dip into a couple of entries at a time. Reading it right though, however, gives such a total immersion into Restoration life that it is a shock to come to the end and find oneself back in the 21st Century – and one ends up missing this flawed but fascinating man’s daily presence in one’s life.
By his own account, Pepys was a vain and selfish man. He was a hypocrite in his loud condemnation of the systematic corruption of his day while receiving ‘presents’ from contractors himself. Worst of all was the abominable way he treated his poor wife, cheating on her, bullying her, even hitting her, despite the fact that they seem, amazingly, to have had genuine affection for each other.
Yet he was not without his virtues. In addition to Flashman’s frankness about himself, he had something that eluded the fictional cad, a sincere desire to be a better man. Sadly, despite numerous resolutions, he did not succeed in this in his role as husband, but he did in his career as a civil servant. His hard work and his desire to learn turned a sinecure post into one of the foundations of the highly professionalised Royal Navy that was to become such an important factor in the history of the world over the next three centuries.
Along the way, he provides a wonderfully vibrant portrait of Restoration London. His thrilling accounts of major events like the Great Fire of London are justly famous, but it is his descriptions of daily life that fascinate most. A man of broad interests and knowledge, he had a superb eye for detail and a shrewd understanding of human nature.
He seems to have known everyone who was anyone in Restoration London. He was one of the early members of the Royal Society and took an active interest in its scientific work. He was also friendly with artists and theatre folk, including Nell Gwyn – ‘pretty, witty Nell,’ whose attraction is understandable even after all these years.
An incorrigible social climber, he skirted the fringes of Court life, and, although he never rose to the very top, he got close enough to power to see how it worked. His assessments of his time and place command respect. The administration of the Restored Stuarts is compared unfavourably with the honesty and efficiency of the previous regime of the Lord Protector, Oliver Cromwell, and Pepys makes it clear it was never as secure as it might appear in retrospect – but Pepys is perhaps too much the professional civil servant to appreciate fully the political skill of Charles II in balancing different factions to survive against the odds.
Even the ‘Shorter Pepys,’ about a third of his full Diary, is a heavy book, but the Latham edition is provided with an excellent index, glossary, and introduction, as well as fine maps, so it is easy to dip into a couple of entries at a time. Reading it right though, however, gives such a total immersion into Restoration life that it is a shock to come to the end and find oneself back in the 21st Century – and one ends up missing this flawed but fascinating man’s daily presence in one’s life.
April 17, 2017
It took me a year, but I'm so glad I read the whole diary (in its shorter form). I started the complete diary a year ago and about 500 pages in, wasn't sure I could go through with the whole thing. When I switched to the shorter form, I began to enjoy it immensely. I have become so used to picking up the diary and reading a few chapters here and there, that now I know I will miss it enormously.
The historical value of Mr. Pepys' diary is immeasurable. The years 1660-1669 are replete with momentous events in British history and Pepys was there in the thick of things, an eyewitness to events taking place within the government and in the city of London itself during the Plague and the Great Fire, beginning with the return of Charles II to the throne after the Civil War.
Not only does Pepys describe these events in wonderful detail, but his diary is also extremely entertaining in that he describes his personal life. He is unflinching in confessing his moral lapses and selfish treatment of his wife, and in his desire to be a better husband and Christian, although in some ways he doesn't try very hard. Of great interest to me personally were the day-to-day descriptions of his work in the Naval office, the religious events of the day, and the clothing, food, and books that were in normal use in the mid-1660's.
Most of all, I am struck by how "there is nothing new under the sun;" how people are really the same in most ways, no matter if we are living in 1660 or 2017.
This is one of the most impactful works I have read in many years, and one that I will not soon forget. I am grateful to my senior class English teacher who read a 1-page excerpt to us more than 25 years ago. It stayed with me and I always meant to read more of the diary in future.
The historical value of Mr. Pepys' diary is immeasurable. The years 1660-1669 are replete with momentous events in British history and Pepys was there in the thick of things, an eyewitness to events taking place within the government and in the city of London itself during the Plague and the Great Fire, beginning with the return of Charles II to the throne after the Civil War.
Not only does Pepys describe these events in wonderful detail, but his diary is also extremely entertaining in that he describes his personal life. He is unflinching in confessing his moral lapses and selfish treatment of his wife, and in his desire to be a better husband and Christian, although in some ways he doesn't try very hard. Of great interest to me personally were the day-to-day descriptions of his work in the Naval office, the religious events of the day, and the clothing, food, and books that were in normal use in the mid-1660's.
Most of all, I am struck by how "there is nothing new under the sun;" how people are really the same in most ways, no matter if we are living in 1660 or 2017.
This is one of the most impactful works I have read in many years, and one that I will not soon forget. I am grateful to my senior class English teacher who read a 1-page excerpt to us more than 25 years ago. It stayed with me and I always meant to read more of the diary in future.
May 2, 2019
The journal of a social climbing, cheese burying, horn dog that covers events from Jan 1660 to May 1669 - the personal and the political and the petty; from the Restoration to the Plague, to the Great Fire of London to a shit at Mr Rawlinson's. Endlessly fascinating, especially in the private affairs of home and heart. The sections dealing with the major events of his time, the chicanery and endless maneuvering of the court, make for a great read but I was enthralled by Samuel's personal shenanigans. By today's standards he would be viewed as a mini Weinstein and probably serve a custodial sentence. The hell that breaks loose in his household when his wife catches him in flagrante with his maid, Deb Willet, is both hilarious and horrific.
An absolute classic.
An absolute classic.
October 13, 2012
What more can be said about this amazing diary that hasn't already be said? Initially I wasn't sure I would see him through all nine years (from 1660 to 1669)that he recorded his daily activities, both personal and professional. However, with each page I became more and more engaged with this man and his observations during a time of such upheaval in England. It often reads like a novel and I became quickly addicted to this observant, amiable, and admirable man. Funnily I even wanted to start speaking this way and it doth amuse me mightily. I highly recommend this unique diary. It is well worth the time spent.(less)
Currently reading
April 22, 2009I love this book, but then I love dead people's lives so I guess that fits. It is the everyday life of Samuel Pepys, most of which was not exciting or thrilling, but how wonderful to walk everyday with, and sit at every meal with a person from 17th century England. Great social history. My favorite quote comes as he attend the hanging, drawing and quartering of a general who betrayed the king. "I went to see Maj-Gen. Harrison hung, drawn and quartered. He was looking as cheerful as any man could in that condition."
January 17, 2016
Readability 6. Rating 7. Latham cuts down to size the wonderful diary of Samuel Pepys, and presents a fantastic view of London in the 1660s. A human being in every sense of the word, but one who happened to be in a position of prominence during a fascinating period in what was then one of the world's premier cities. From his drinking binges and adulteries to his accounts of the Plague and Fire of London, Pepys captures life in his times like no history book can.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 1, 2014
Perfect if you don't feel you can go through the countless volumes of his diaries.
July 20, 2016
I finished!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 17, 2019
He uses indeed the phrase “and so to bed”. It is a selection and obviously, the naughty stuff left out. Quite interesting but not really a page-turner. He keeps vowing to avoid drinks and theater but after some time goes back to the bad habits. So we can get first-hand reviews of early Shakespeare viewers. (He does not like everything.) In a private theater, he is ashamed of the other guests because they continued to talk during the performance.
July 8, 2024
Interesting to realize that this "Great Man" of history was also a serial sexual harasser. People are complicated because this is also marvelously fresh and vivid account of the period. I read this as an audio book.
April 22, 2020
The first version of Pepys that I read. Be careful though, you may decide to read the whole thing--it's fascinating.
August 13, 2016
Finally finished the diary. a long time goal. The Shorter Pepys made it possible. The set of individual volumes was just too daunting in length and cost. I have enjoyed the journey, however, and the intimate look at one many's growth in wealth and status. But it the little things that make this valuable. Words, turns of phrase, every day-very human actions that took place 4oo years ago but are familiar today are what surprise you and connect you to the 1660's.
September 4, 2016
Loved reading this selection from Pepys' diary.
Interesting look at everyday life in 17C England. E.g., meals were eaten when food was available and whatever food was available.
Pepys tried that new-fangled drink China tea at some point.
(Guessing at the year in which I read this.)
Interesting look at everyday life in 17C England. E.g., meals were eaten when food was available and whatever food was available.
Pepys tried that new-fangled drink China tea at some point.
(Guessing at the year in which I read this.)
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews