Skip to main content
University of California Press

About the Book

Samuel Pepys (1633-1703) is known as the first published diarist. His eleven-volume work, written between 1660 and 1669, was first published in 1825. Ever since, this chronicler of his time has held readers' fascination. The essential anthology of selections from Samuel Pepys's famous diary is finally available in paperback. By collecting passages by subject, it provides a fresh look at some of the themes running through Pepys's massive work. Robert and Linnet Latham's lively presentation shows Pepys the man of fashion, the booklover, the musician and theatergoer as well as Pepys the husband and Pepys the public servant. Through descriptions of the everyday and of historic events like the Fire and the Plague, Pepys's life and times are revealed in all their richness and variety. For fans of the Diary, this work offers the opportunity to rediscover favorite passages; for anyone unfamiliar with Pepys, this anthology serves as a delightful introduction.

About the Author

Robert Latham was Pepys Librarian at Magdalene College, Cambridge. He was the editor of the definitive eleven-volume edition of The Diary of Samuel Pepys as well as the acclaimed Shorter Pepys, both of which are published by University of California Press. Linnet Latham worked on the Diary, and its various shorter forms.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgement
Preface
THE DIARY BEGINS
Pepys and the Restoration
PEPYS THE MAN
The Booklover
The Churchman
II
Country Outings and River Excursions
Dinners and Parties
Encounters with Children
The Householder
The Husband
The King's Servant
The Man of Fashion
The Musician
The Neighbour
Pictures and Portraits
The Rising Man
The Theatre-goer
The Virtuoso
PEPYS 's WORLD
III
Ceremonies and Processions
Christmas
Church Uniformity Restored
The Court
The Fire of London
Houses and Gardens
Marvels and Mysteries
Matters of State
The Navy: Officers and Seamen
The Navy at War
The Plague
Popular Entertainments
St Valentine's Day
Sports and Contests
Street Life
Travellers' Tales
IV
PEPYS THE STORY-TELLER
The Bashful Lovers
Buried Gold
The Dancing Master
Deb Willet
ANECDOTES, OBSERVATIONS AND REFLECTIONS 
VI
THE DIARY ENDS
Select Glossary

Reviews