A Fascinating Character
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This is another fascinating historical biography that reads more like a novel than a stuffy factual book. Virtually everyone knows the name of Samuel Pepys. Ah yes, he's the man who wrote the diary. This is of course true, but do they actually know anything about the man behind the name of Samuel Pepys. What for instance were his feelings on the politicians of the day. What were his own ambitions and aspirations.
Pepys was a naval administrator and friend and confidant of some of the most famous and powerful people in London . Sex, the plague, music, marital conflict, naval life, public executions and incarcerations in the Tower of London. These are just some of the colourful events in the life of a man famous for his writing of a diary.
The book contains a wealth of interesting material about the life of a man who's name goes before him. Everyone knows his name, but few know of the life of the man himself.
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Samuel Pepys
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There could never be a better translation and publication of Pepys' wonderful diary. Lanthem and Matthews have put a lot of time into translating this series. 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.
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Intrigues, womanising and a struggle through red tape
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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.
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Excellent way to learn about some of England's history
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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
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An interesting insight into life in the Restoration.
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Samuel Pepys is actually a very interesting character. He shows himself in a real and honest way (presumuably not realizing that it was going to be published one day!) He is a rogue towards his wife and tries to be successful in his business dealings (although I think there were slightly shady deals on a regular basis), but keen to get known and respected in the right circles. He goes drinking a lot (people never change)then gets bad hangovers the next morning and promises himself not to do it again, which he obviously does! He realizes that if he is to improve his lot in life he has to more restrained and as the years pass he increases his financial situation and becomes independent of his benefactor. He records his reactions to the Great Plague, the Great Fire of London and the restoration of the monarchy, becoming increasingly frustrated with the behaviour of the King. Worth reading, just for interests sake.
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