The Diary of Samuel Pepys

Volume II: 1664 - 1666

By: Samuel Pepys

Narrated by: Leighton Pugh

The Diary of Samuel Pepys is one of the most entertaining documents in English history. Written between 1660 and 1669, as Pepys was establishing himself as a key administrator in the naval office, it is an intimate portrait of life in seventeenth-century England, covering his professional and personal activities, including, famously, his love of music, theatre, food, and wine and his peccadilloes. This Naxos AudioBooks production is the world premiere recording of the diary in its entirety. It has been divided into three volumes. Volume II covers some of the most famous passages in the diary. Pepys was there, in London, during the terrible plague of 1665. And he was there during the Great Fire of London the following year, playing an active role in the actual event and the aftermath.

Download the accompanying reference guide.©1983 Robert Latham and the Executors of William Matthews (P)2015 Naxos AudioBooks

Pepys was a dog!

He’s valuable as a first person witness of the Great Fire. I suppose many powerful men think they can just grab ‘em by the pussy.

Fascinating travel back in time

What did you love best about The Diary of Samuel Pepys?

A fascinating look at life in an interesting moment of history. I loved his enjoyment of his new books, music, plays, and even that tasty venison patsy, all the time wheeling and dealing to improve his standing and serve the King.

Have you listened to any of Leighton Pugh’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

The narrator was remarkable. Who knew you you make reading diaries lively and so filled with emotion at times.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

It would be impossible to listen to this all in one sitting.

Any additional comments?

I enjoyed the introductions and wished there was a summary at the end of the second volume that briefly told what Pepys did with the rest of his life.

great writer great performance

loved listening to this whenever take bath
the narrator has me convinced he's sam pepys himself

Treasure

Still listening to this.

Naxos are to be applauded for producing audio recordings of this quality.

And a heartfelt 'thanks' to Sam and the folk who worked out his code.

Love this series…

I have been hearing the diaries of Samuel peeps referred to often and was happy that they were available through Audible. I am amazed at the ability of the Reader, Mr. Pugh, to maintain inflection and emotion throughout this long journey.

Lovers of the history of England will enjoy the firsthand accounts, tidbits and insights offered. It also is a good lesson in how, although our technology has advanced, human behavior has not.