The Diary of Samuel Pepys by Samuel Pepys is highly praised for its vivid, detailed account of 17th-century English life, offering readers unparalleled historical insight. Its candid, personal entries reveal much about Pepys himself, though some may find the daily minutiae tedious. Overall, it's a compelling primary source for history enthusiasts.

A reader who would enjoy The Diary of Samuel Pepys is likely fascinated by 17th-century English history and enjoys first-person narratives. Comparable to readers of The Journals of John Evelyn or The Life of Samuel Johnson by James Boswell, they appreciate detailed accounts of daily life, politics, and personal reflections from historical figures.

The Diary of Samuel Pepys is a vivid firsthand account of 17th-century upper-class life in Restoration England, documenting Pepys's daily activities and his career advancements, most notably during significant events such as the coronation of King Charles II, the Great Plague, and the Great Fire of London. Pepys's detailed entries provide insights into his professional successes, personal struggles, and societal observations. The book includes descriptions of physical and emotional abuse and extramarital affairs.

Informative / Nostalgic / Contemplative / Humorous / Melancholic

- Samuel Pepys wrote his diary using a form of shorthand called tachygraphy, which was devised by Thomas Shelton and was popular during the 17th century.
- Covering the years 1660-1669, Pepys' diary provides an invaluable first-person account of major historical events, including the Great Fire of London and the Great Plague.
- The diary was not published in its entirety until 1825 due to the time it took to decipher Pepys' shorthand, which had been forgotten by the time of its discovery.

**Samuel Pepys**  
A prominent public figure and diarist in 17th-century England who began his professional life as a servant and rose to become an influential government official, detailing his experiences and observations in his Diary.

**Admiral Edward Montagu**  
Pepys’s cousin and patron, who provided crucial support in his early career and is frequently mentioned as a significant figure in the Diary.

**Elizabeth de St. Michel**  
Pepys’s wife, the daughter of a French Huguenot refugee, whose life with Pepys is extensively chronicled in the Diary.

**Will Hewer**  
Pepys’s longtime servant, who plays a significant role in his life and is mentioned frequently in the Diary.

Samuel Pepys

Adult

Autobiography / Memoir

Nonfiction

Guide

Study Guide

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Overview

Get ready to explore The Diary of Samuel Pepys and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Diary of Samuel Pepys Summary and Study Guide

Background

The Diary of Samuel Pepys Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

First Year, 1660

The Diary of Samuel Pepys First Year, 1660 Summary & Analysis

Second Year, 1661

The Diary of Samuel Pepys Second Year, 1661 Summary & Analysis

Third Year, 1662

The Diary of Samuel Pepys Third Year, 1662 Summary & Analysis

Fourth Year, 1663

The Diary of Samuel Pepys Fourth Year, 1663 Summary & Analysis

Fifth Year, 1664

The Diary of Samuel Pepys Fifth Year, 1664 Summary & Analysis

Sixth Year, 1665

The Diary of Samuel Pepys Sixth Year, 1665 Summary & Analysis

Seventh Year, 1666

The Diary of Samuel Pepys Seventh Year, 1666 Summary & Analysis

Eighth Year, 1667

The Diary of Samuel Pepys Eighth Year, 1667 Summary & Analysis

Ninth Year, 1668

The Diary of Samuel Pepys Ninth Year, 1668 Summary & Analysis

Tenth Year, 1669

The Diary of Samuel Pepys Tenth Year, 1669 Summary & Analysis

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Key Figures

The Diary of Samuel Pepys Key Figures

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Themes

The Diary of Samuel Pepys Themes

Index of Terms

The Diary of Samuel Pepys Index of Terms

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Important Quotes

The Diary of Samuel Pepys Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

The Diary of Samuel Pepys Essay Topics

The Diary of Samuel Pepys

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read The Diary of Samuel Pepys?

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Book Details