
A vivid window into 17th‑century England, this complete diary chronicles the daily life of a man at the heart of the Restoration court, the navy, and the city’s bustling streets. Listeners will hear Pepys’s candid observations on everything from grand state ceremonies and political intrigue to the ordinary chores of his household, all rendered in his own lively voice. The narration captures his humor, anxieties, and the earnest desire to record history as it unfolds.
Beyond the official record, the diary offers intimate glimpses of personal relationships, health concerns, and the social customs of the era. Its pages are peppered with references to contemporary events, literary works, and the occasional coded entry, inviting curiosity about the hidden meanings behind his shorthand. As the narrative progresses, the listener gains a sense of the period’s turbulence and the resilience of a man striving to make sense of his world.
Language
en
Duration
~114 hours (6596K 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.
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