Samuel Pepys (1633-1703) entire Diary from 1660-1669 (PDF)

Samuel Pepys (1633-1703) kept a detailed private diary

during 1660?1669 which was first published in the 19th

century (it first had to be decoded as it is written in

a secret shorthand), and is one of the most important

primary sources for the English Restoration period.



The diary provides a combination of personal revelations

(involvment in corrupt government practices, adultery

just to name 2 of the more spicey ones) and eyewitness

accounts of great events, such as the Great Plague of

London, the Second Dutch War and the Great Fire of London.



Pepys was an English naval administrator and Member of

Parliament. Although Pepys had no maritime experience,

he rose by patronage in the time of King James II. His

influence and reforms at the Admiralty were important

for the Royal Navy.