The Diary by Samuel Pepys

Description

Samuel Pepys' diary is one of the most famous and valuable sources for understanding life in 17th-century England. Pepys was an English naval administrator and Member of Parliament who lived in London during a tumultuous period of history that included the English Civil War, the Restoration of the monarchy, and the Great Plague of London. He began writing his diary on January 1, 1660, at the age of 26, and continued it for nearly ten years, stopping in May 1669 due to failing eyesight. The diary was written in shorthand and was a private record, meant only for his own eyes. The diary covers a wide range of topics, including Pepys' work as a naval administrator, his observations of political events, his thoughts on literature and culture, as well as his social life and interactions with friends, family, and acquaintances. One of the most notable events recorded in Pepys' diary is the Great Fire of London in 1666. He describes the devastation caused by the fire and its impact on the city. Pepys also writes about his own personal life, including his marital issues with his wife, Elizabeth, and his extramarital affairs. The diary remained unknown to the public for many years after Pepys' death, and its true value and significance were only recognized in the 19th century when it was finally deciphered and published. Today, it is considered one of the most important historical documents of its time and a remarkable account of daily life in 17th-century London. This edition, edited by Henry B. Wheatley, was first published in 1893.

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