Diary of Samuel Pepys — Complete 1669 N.S: Enriched edition. A Candid Chronicle of 17th Century England

by Samuel Pepys, Henry B. Wheatley (editor), Richard Griffin (editor)

'The Diary of Samuel Pepys' is one of the most celebrated diaries in British history. Spanning a decade of his life, Pepys's diary offers an intimate look at daily life in London in the 17th century. Pepys wrote about everything from personal finances and the weather to major political and social events. His diary also provides insights into his personal life, including his amorous affairs with actresses, his relationship with his wife, and his insecurities. In addition, Pepys recorded significant national events, such as the Great Plague and the Great Fire of London. This book is a valuable historical record of a turbulent and transformative period in English history.

205 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 1, 2002

About the author

Samuel 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').

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

From BBC Radio 4 Extra:
It is 1669, and Sam's affair with his maid has weakened his marriage. Can his wife Elizabeth ever trust him again? Stars Kris Marshall and Katherine Jakeways.

Free download available at Project Gutenberg.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Done the journal! I can definitely see how this is a British historian's dream. For me it was ok, I'm not too familiar with this era and learned quite a bit especially poignant for me was the plaque and the fire. This short volume brings more of the same, Pepys at work and Pepys loving his ladies. Despite his wife catching him he's still pining for Deb the maid. The journal ends with Pepys possibly going to Holland.