The Diary of Samuel Pepys — Complete (eBook)

Samuel Pepys (1633–1703) was an English naval administrator and Member of Parliament, best recognized for the diary he maintained for a decade while still a relatively young man. Pepys was born in London, the son of a tailor, and educated at St. Paul's School, Magdalene College, Cambridge. His seminal work 'The Diary of Samuel Pepys — Complete' provides an unparalleled account of the daily life of an upper-middle-class gentleman against the backdrop of pivotal events such as the Great Plague of London, the Second Dutch War, and the Great Fire of London. His diary entries, written in a cryptic shorthand, were first fully transcribed and published in the 19th century. Pepys's observations cover a broad spectrum of contemporary life, including politics, entertainment, and his personal affairs, marked by candor and vivacity. Although his diary is his most famous work, his administrative skills also contributed significantly to the development of the British Navy, where he served as Chief Secretary to the Admiralty. Pepys's literary style is noted for its wit, introspection, and the rich details that provide historians and readers with a realistic portrait of Restoration England. His work continues to hold significant cultural and historical importance, offering a multi-faceted reflection of the period.