
Step into the bustling streets of Restoration London through the eyes of a meticulous clerk who kept a daily record of his life. His entries capture the swirl of politics, commerce, and culture that defined the city in the late 1660s. The diary reads like a personal newsreel, blending official business with intimate observation.
From lively dinner conversations about grain shortages and the king’s strained relations with the Dutch, to evenings at the Duke of York’s playhouse watching the popular comedy “Sir Martin Mar‑all,” his notes reveal both the serious and the frivolous. He describes the noisy gambling dens where apprentices and gentlemen alike wagered fortunes, noting the shifting moods of luck and vice. Yet his tone remains wry and observant, turning even mundane moments into vivid snapshots.
Listeners will hear a candid voice that bridges the gap between history and humanity, offering a rare, unfiltered glimpse of everyday life in a transformative era. The diary’s rhythm and detail make it a compelling audio experience, inviting you to walk the cobblestones alongside its author.
Language
en
Duration
~11 hours (685K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by David Widger
Release date
2004-10-31
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1633–1703
Best known for the diary that captures everyday life in Restoration London, this lively observer recorded everything from the Great Fire to the small dramas of his own household. His pages feel unusually modern: curious, candid, funny, and full of detail.
View all books