Member-only story

The Joys of Excess: Samuel Pepys and the World He Made

Andres Carter

·18.8k Followers· Follow

Published in The Joys Of Excess Samuel Pepys

4 min read

630 View Claps

32 Respond

Save

Listen

By Claire Tomalin

Samuel Pepys was one of the most famous figures from the 17th century. He was a diarist, a naval administrator, and a Member of Parliament. He is best known for his diaries, which provide a detailed and fascinating account of life in London during the Restoration period.

The Joys of Excess

by Samuel Pepys

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	333 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	96 pages

Pepys was born in London in 1633. He was the son of a tailor. He attended St. Paul's School and then Magdalene College, Cambridge. After graduating from Cambridge, Pepys worked as a clerk in the Navy Office. He quickly rose through the ranks, and in 1660 he was appointed Secretary to the Admiralty. Pepys held this position for ten years, during which time he played a major role in the administration of the Royal Navy.

In addition to his work in the Navy, Pepys was also a Member of Parliament. He represented the constituency of Castle Rising in Norfolk. Pepys was a supporter of the monarchy, and he played a key role in the restoration of Charles II to the throne in 1660.

Pepys is best known for his diaries. He began keeping a diary in 1660, and he continued to write in it until 1669. The diaries provide a detailed account of Pepys' life and times. They are full of vivid descriptions of London life, and they offer a unique insight into the social and political history of the period.

The Joys of Excess is a biography of Samuel Pepys. The book is written by Claire Tomalin, a renowned historian and biographer. The Joys of Excess is a rich and fascinating account of Pepys' life and times. Tomalin draws on Pepys' diaries, letters, and other sources to create a vivid portrait of a man who was both a great public figure and a deeply private individual.

The Joys of Excess is a must-read for anyone interested in British history, biography, or the 17th century. It is a beautifully written and insightful book that offers a unique glimpse into the life of one of the most famous figures from the period.

Reviews

"The Joys of Excess is a triumph of biography. Claire Tomalin has written a book that is both scholarly and accessible, and that brings Samuel Pepys vividly to life. This is a must-read for anyone interested in British history or the 17th century." - Amanda Foreman, author of Georgiana: Duchess of Devonshire

"A masterpiece of biography. Tomalin's Pepys is a complex and fascinating figure, and her book is a joy to read." - Antonia Fraser, author of The Six Wives of Henry VIII

"The Joys of Excess is a magnificent book. Tomalin has written a definitive biography of Samuel Pepys, and her book is sure to become a classic." - Simon Schama, author of Citizens: A Chronicle of the French Revolution