Red-letter days of Samuel Pepys

Preface

Pepys's Diary is long, and life is short; yet those who have failed to meet the Diarist have missed a rare pleasure. Hence this volume of selected passages — red-letter days from our standpoint, if not always from his — which will serve, it is hoped, as a good introduction to such as do not know Mr. Pepys, and wish to make the acquaintance of that most original and entertaining gentleman. These selections will also serve to make him more easily accessible to the host of those who are already on good terms with him.

The editor has aimed, in assembling the passages that follow, to present a sketch that is characteristic of Mr. Pepys's many-sided personality — a sketch full of vitality that will catch in its comparatively few lines the distinctive traits of its original; and he has also endeavoured to prepare a volume pleasant to have at one's elbow, and most welcome when heavier reading palls, and there is a desire to beguile the time with something at once curious and enlivening.

PREFACE

Only such notes are included as are necessary to the enjoyment and understanding of the text. For most of these the editor's thanks are due to Lord Braybrooke's edition of the Diary. Notes provided by the editor are signed with his initials.

EDWARD FRANK ALLEN.

Contents

PAGE

INTRODUCTION . . . . . . X J

MR. PEPYS BEGINS HIS DIARY .... I