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Samuel Pepys

The Unequalled Self

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Samuel Pepys

By: Claire Tomalin
Narrated by: Jill Balcon
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About this listen

 Samuel Pepys kept a diary in which he wrote with astonishing candour about the life he saw around him in London in the 1660s, and about his private desires and ambitions. The diary was kept for fewer than 10 years of his long life: Claire Tomalin tells the whole story of the Fleet Street tailor's son who made himself rich and powerful, an MP and adviser to royalty. She also traces his relations with many women, from countesses to servant girls, in a biography that is funny, moving, and as candid as Pepys himself.©2002 Claire Tomalin (P)2002 Penguin Audio Art & Literature Authors Europe Great Britain Historical England Royalty Funny United Kingdom Tudor

Critic Reviews

"Tomalin not only brings him back to vibrant life, but makes a powerful case that he's more central, more 'relevant' than we ever imagined....She has restored to us the whole Pepys." ( The New York Times Book Review)
"Our greatest diarist, analyzed by one of our greatest biographers. Tomalin's flawless research and trademark empathy with her subjects should make this portrait of one of the most fascinating characters of 17th-century England the best biography of the autumn." ( Sunday Times [London])"Tomalin writes brilliant chapters on all aspects of Pepys's life, relying not only on the diary but also on impressive scholarship....For those who have already enjoyed the diary, Tomalin's learned and entertaining work admirably fills in the gaps." ( Publishers Weekly)
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Samuel Pepys was a most interesting man and his reflections of life and events of his time make the most wonderful book. Claire Tomalin has researched him and his life and work thoroughly and with the greatest respect. She writes in beautiful prose and listening to Jill Bacon reading this prose has been a delight.
Highly recommended.

A fascinating account of a diarist.

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A fascinating book, beautifully read. I was sorry to reach the end of the book. Looking for more by this author.

Wonderful

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great book, bad sound production. muffled and indistinct enunciation. please record again. fascinating content

Pepys biography

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