(Samuel Pepys (1633-1703) is known as the first published diarist. His eleven-volume work, written between 1660 and 1669, was first published in 1825. Ever since, this chronicler of his time has held readers' fascination. The essential anthology of selections from Samuel Pepys's famous diary is finally available in paperback. By collecting passages by subject, it provides a fresh look at some of the themes running through Pepys's massive work. Robert and Linnet Latham's lively presentation shows Pepys the man of fashion, the booklover, the musician and theatergoer as well as Pepys the husband and Pepys the public servant. Through descriptions of the everyday and of historic events like the Fire and the Plague, Pepys's life and times are revealed in all their richness and variety. For fans of the Diary, this work offers the opportunity to rediscover favorite passages; for anyone unfamiliar with Pepys, this anthology serves as a delightful introduction)
In this short anthology, selected from Samuel Pepys's famous diary, passages are collected together by subject, providing a fresh look at some of the themes that run through the massive complete work. Robert and Linnet Latham's lively and skilful presentation allows the reader to become absorbed in a single topic without interruption, often providing new insight into Pepys's private and public life.
We see Pepys the man of fashion, the booklover, the musician and theatre-goer, Pepys the husband and Pepys the public servant, at work and a leisure. From festivals such as Christmas and Twelfth Night enjoyed with family and friends, to the great events such as the Fire and the Plague described so vividly in the Diary, Pepys's and times are revealed in all their richness and variety.
And for the first time, we can read as continuous narrative, some of the stories interwoven with daily events: the long entangled saga of his affair with Deb Willet and the tale of the Dancing Master.
For anyone unfamiliar with Pepys, this anthology will serve as a delightful introduction, while lovers of the Diary will take pleasure in rediscovering favourite passages.
Robert Latham was Pepys Librarian at Magdalene College, Cambridge until his retirement in 1983. He is the Editor, with the late William Matthews, of the definitive II-volume edition of 'The Diary of Samuel Pepys' and the much acclaimed 'Shorter Pepys' (also published by Unwin Hyman). Linnet Latham, his wife, worked with her husband during the compilation of the 'Index 'and 'Companion' to the complete 'Diary' and on 'The Shorter Pepys'.
