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Pepys' Diary (Classic, HighBridge)
written by Samuel Pepys
Studio : Highbridge Audio
by Highbridge Audio
Publisher : Highbridge Audio
Released : 1996-02-01
Availability : Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Number of Items : 6
EAN : 9781565111349
UPC : 025024451287
Avg. Customer Rating: (based on 16 reviews)
List Price : $30.00
Our Price : $9.69
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Product Description |
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Enter the life and remarkable times of the lovable Samuel Pepys (pronounced “peeps”). Born in London in 1633, the son of a tailor, he began keeping a diary on January 1, 1660, and continued for nine years, faithfully recording the rich and varied details of 17th-century London life. Writing in a form of shorthand—which was not deciphered until 1825—he also painted a vivid picture of Pepys the man. In entries from 1660 through 1663, Pepys strives to establish himself in his career and in society. His unforgettable eyewitness accounts of the Plague and the Great Fire of London follow. The last diaries, dated 1667 through 1669, Pepys is enjoying his position as a surveyor-general in the Royal Navy—and having an affair with his wife’s servant. Uniquely uninhibited, deeply personal, full of wit and style, Pepy's Diary is a biographical masterpiece. |
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Quality |
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Used to listen to this on tape and wanted to replace it with cd so I could listen to it in the car. If you want to get a taste of life in 1660's London, this is it. The written diaries are also fascinating but fairly hard to read, so Kenneth Branagh helps us out here. Anyone interested in English history will be very pleased with this diary. If you don't yet know who Pepys is then, for sure, you need to buy this. I've listened to it at least twice over the years and alway hear something new with each listening. Highly recommended! |
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Better than most historical novels! |
I chose to listen to this book because I felt I "should" be better acquainted with what can arguably be called the most famous diary in history. I looked upon it as a chore that would improve my mind.
I may have, indeed, improved my mind but it turned out to be no chore! What an absolute delight. I've read many historical novels that weren't half as exciting, funny and fascinating as this book. I kept having to remind myself that this man REALLY lived through all these things -- the plague, the great London fire, the machinations of the court.
Plus, his willingness to expose in frank (and sometimes bawdy) detail his personal life, health, sexual dalliances, etc., brought *him* as well as his times vividly to life.
I doubt if trying to read through the actual diary would be as much fun, but the editors' careful selection of entries culled out the best bits while never losing continuity.
And what more can I add to the praise of Branagh as narrator? The man is a phenomenal talent and shows it in this book. Never over-acting, he manages to convey a perfect tone (for instance, just the hint of a whisper at the more personal parts, as though Pepys was confiding in us).
All in all, this book convinced me that improving my mind doesn't HAVE to be tedious. |
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Great for long car rides for those who love Pepy's |
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Of course it is not the complete Pepy's diary but is wonderful to listen to while on long drives. Kenneth Brannagh as the reader brings life into the English language of yesterday. I wonder if a movie is in the offing. |
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An outstanding classic which comes to life in audio cd format |
Samuel Pepys' Pepys' Diary is an outstanding classic which comes to life in audio cd format, narrated by Kenneth Branagh whose background in film and direction lend to a vivid narrative indeed. Pepys' classic has lasted centuries because it records in vivid descriptions the bygone world of 17th-century London life: this vivid written word in turn translates well into audio and brings a rich history to life.
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it's an audio confidante |
I loved these tapes. I concur with the reviews that they are addictive - better for a long country ride than a harried rush hour. Then let Pepys (Branagh) be your witty and engrossing travel companion.
It obviously helps to be familar with the Restoration to enhance your enjoyment of these diaries; though many with even a general background will still find them entertaining. Highly recommended. |
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