AS IS THE MIND, SO IS THE MAN

Pepys kept his diary or ‘Journall’ between the ages of 26 and 36. It runs from 1 January 1660 until 31 May 1669 and tells us a great deal about both the writer and daily life in Restoration London.

Written in a clear and engaging style, the diary throws important light on the leading personalities, institutions and events of the period. The diary contains some 1,250,000 words and was written in six notebooks.

Pepys used a form of speed writing or shorthand, which was not deciphered until 1825. On Pepys’ death the diary was left to his university college, where it remains protected under the terms of his will.

'Late at the office, entering my Journall for eight days past, the greatness of business hindering me of late to put it down daily; but I have done it now very true and perticularly ...'

16 OCTOBER 1665