The ‘Diary of Samuel Pepys — Complete 1666 N.S’ is a remarkable firsthand account of life during a pivotal period in British history, chronicling the tumultuous events of the Great Fire of London and the Second Dutch War. Written in a candid, conversational style, Pepys’s diary reveals not just the unfolding historical narrative but also his personal reflections, social observations, and engagements with the political landscape. Pepys’s keen attention to detail and his ability to convey the immediacy of his experiences echo the emerging modern sensibilities of the 17th century, offering readers insights not only into his own psyche but also into the intricacies of Restoration society and its cultural milieu. This particular volume captures the essence of a year marked by disaster and resilience, serving as a rich historical document that complements academic inquiries into this transformative era. Samuel Pepys, a London-based civil servant and naval administrator, is renowned for his insightful commentary and meticulous record-keeping. His experiences navigating the cataclysmic events of 1666—including the Great Fire, which devastated the city—provide a backdrop for the development of his thoughts on governance, society, and the human condition. Pepys’s diary is not only a historical artifact but also a reflection of his ambitions and personal challenges, underscoring the duality of public duty and private life. This edition is essential for readers fascinated by history, literature, and the evolution of personal narrative. Pepys’s eloquent prose and vivid descriptions invite readers to immerse themselves in the daily realities of 17th-century England. For historians, literary scholars, and anyone intrigued by the intersection of personal experience and historical context, Pepys’s diary presents a compelling portrait of resilience and the human spirit amidst the chaos of change.
Tentang Penulis
Samuel Pepys (1633–1703) was an English naval administrator, Member of Parliament, and most famously a diarist. Born in London on February 23, 1633, Pepys was educated at Magdalene College, Cambridge. His early career revolved around the administrative and accounting duties in the Exchequer and the Admiralty. The height of his political career was marked by his appointment as Chief Secretary to the Admiralty under both King Charles II and King James II. Pepys is most renowned for the diary he maintained during a decade of his life from 1660 to 1669. ‘The Diary of Samuel Pepys’ stands as a crucial historical document, providing an intimate and detailed account of life in 17th-century London. The diary addresses major events such as the Great Plague and the Great Fire of London. Pepys’s work offers insights into the Restoration English society, including its politics, culture, and social practices. His diary, initially written in a cryptic shorthand, was deciphered and published in the 19th century, becoming one of the most important primary sources for the English Restoration period. Pepys’s diaristic recordings, characterized by its vivid, candid, and often unfiltered observations, continue to be a subject of academic interest and are admired for their literary qualities, as well as their rich contribution to historical and cultural scholarship.