The Diary of John Evelyn

By John Evelyn, William Bray, John Forster

Book Overview

Step back in time with "The Diary of John Evelyn," a captivating window into 17th-century England. This first volume of two offers unparalleled insights into the social life and customs of a pivotal era in British history, as seen through the eyes of John Evelyn himself.

A meticulous observer, Evelyn recorded the events, personalities, and everyday details of his world, creating a rich tapestry of life in England. His diary serves as a valuable historical document, shedding light on the traditions, beliefs, and social structures that shaped the nation.

Explore the fascinating details of a bygone era through Evelyn's personal reflections and observations. This meticulously prepared print edition invites you to experience history firsthand, offering a unique and enduring perspective on Great Britain's past. A treasure for anyone interested in historical biography, European history, and the social sciences.

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it.

This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.

Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1023212552
• ISBN13: 9781023212557
• Release Date: March 2025
• Publisher: Anson Street Press
• Length: 302 Pages
• Weight: 0.94 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.1" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

Not as spicy as Pepys

Evelyn is very different from Pepys, whom he knew. Unlike Pepys, Evelyn was a strait-laced fellow, so we get no juicy stories of his amours. He hardly speaks of his wife and consequently never mentions any arguments they might have had. He tells few personal anecdotes. He also has little to say about the great plague year or the great fire of London. Pepys gives a lot more detail on these subjects.What he does deal with rather extensively are the meetings of the Royal Society, of which he was a member. It was hard for me to get excited about these. Nevertheless, it is good to have this book available.

A terrific source for the 17th Century

John Evelyn's diary is a wonderful source-book for 17th Century England. It covers far more of the period than Peyps' diary (but is a little drier!)and gives a comprehensive picture of life in those turbulent times. Guy de la Bedoyere has done a fine job of editing this diary.