The Diary of Samuel Pepys

By G Gregory Smith

"The Diary of Samuel Pepys" stands as one of the most significant and intimate historical documents in the English language, offering a vivid window into life during the 17th century. Spanning the decade from 1660 to 1669, this masterwork provides an unparalleled eyewitness account of some of the most transformative events in British history, including the Restoration of King Charles II, the devastating Great Plague of London, and the terrifying Great Fire of London.

Beyond its value as a historical record, the diary is celebrated for its startling honesty and humanity. Samuel Pepys, a high-ranking naval administrator, records not only the grand political maneuvers of the court but also the mundane details of daily existence, from his domestic quarrels and social outings to his professional ambitions and personal failings. His candid observations on music, theater, food, and the scientific advancements of the era bring the Restoration period to life with extraordinary clarity.

This essential work of literature remains a cornerstone for historians and general readers alike, bridging the gap between public history and private experience. Its enduring appeal lies in the unique voice of Pepys-one that is curious, observant, and deeply relatable across the centuries.

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 was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you may see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.

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.

As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. 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: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1025597532
• ISBN13: 9781025597539
• Release Date: February 2026
• Publisher: Tradd Street Press
• Length: 836 Pages
• Weight: 2.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.2" x 1.8" x 6.1"