The Diary of Samuel Pepys, Volume Three (III, 3)

Revised and reset 1953

Pepys's Diary covers the years 1660 to 1669, and is one of the most vivid and minute authorities for the events of the Restoration period, ranging from the manners and scandals of the court to Pepys's own interests and weaknesses. Pepys himself was closely concerned with contemporary events in his employment at the Admiralty, where, although he began in a minor position, he eventually effected drastic and far-reaching reforms. No less a part of the interest of the Diary lies however in the way it allows us to share in Pepys's home and social life, his interests and ambitions, friends and acquaintances.

Volume 3 covers the period from July 1667 to May 1669, when Pepys was forced by the rapid failing of his sight to give up keeping his journal. It also includes an index.

In his selection of the material the editor has been guided by its human appeal and historic interest, and has preserved intact the drama of Pepys's public and private life. The text of this edition is based on that of the Rev. Mynors Bright, published in 1875-1879 from his own typescript. Lord Braybrooke's notes have been retained with minor corrections whenever they appeared useful, identifying persons, places and obscure words.

Jacket illustration by Lathey

(Source: dustjacket)

Robert Latham was Pepys Librarian at Magdalene College, Cambridge. In addition to editing the eleven volumes of The Diary of Samuel Pepys, he was the editor of the acclaimed Shorter Pepys (1985) and A Pepys Anthology (1988), both published by University of California Press. William Matthews was Professor of English at the University of California, Los Angeles.