The Diaries of Samuel Pepys - A Selection (Penguin Classics)

In the first book there is an introduction of several essays - a short biographical piece and information on the use the diary has for both literature and history, as well as a history of previous publications of the diary. These come in very useful and are also extremly interesting foreground reading before beginning the actual diary itself.

The editors explain how they have translated the diaries and the difficulties and have tried to present the diary how Pepys' would have wanted it. They have tried to make it authentic as possible - only changing bits they absolutely have to and the reader is always informed of such changes.

Pepys is an extremly important part of English history as he was witness to the restoration of the king after the death of Cromwell as well as the plague and the fire of London. His diary is wider then that - it is a record of humanity. It is unique in that it is very honest - a graphic detailed account on a man's life both public and private.

Such history from a first hand account and not regergitated by modern day historians is invaluable for anyone interested in the history during this period.


Intrigues, womanising and a struggle through red tape   February 24, 2004
Semioticghost (London, UK)
8 out of 17 found this review helpful

I've been listening to these diaries on the train, and they're wonderful, surprisingly contemporary for a guy who was writing around the time of the Great Fire of London, now commemorated by the Monument.

Samuel Pepys is a civil servant, having to wade through the red tape and intrigues of his role in the navy. He's enjoying a tumultous relationship with his wife and the way he acts towards her pisses me off occasionally, especially as he's quick to put her in her place at times.

I confess a soft spot for Pepys, despite his womanising, but otherwise overmeticulous mindset, which makes him incredibly irritating at times! He is eminently human, trying to do his best in situations where, often, he has to make concessions, necessary transgressions, small deviations from what might be 'right'. I don't exactly like him, but I feel for him, not least because, in essence, he's a nice guy with some dislikable sides.


Excellent way to learn about some of England's history   January 5, 2004
1 out of 15 found this review helpful

I actually didn't listen to this audio book, but the one read by Kenneth Branagh and it that one at least is excellent. 'The unequalled self' biography is the perfect accompaniment