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The Diary of Samuel Pepys cover art

The Diary of Samuel Pepys

By: Samuel Pepys, Hattie Naylor
Narrated by: Kris Marshall, Katherine Jakeways, Full Cast
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Summary

Kris Marshall and Katherine Jakeways star as Mr & Mrs Pepys in this BBC Radio 4 dramatisation of the world famous diaries.

Samuel Pepys was 26 when he decided to start keeping a diary, in January 1660. For the next 10 years he faithfully recorded the day's events and confessed his innermost thoughts. That diary has since become one of our most important, and fascinating, historical documents. Pepys gave us eyewitness accounts of some of the great events of the 17th century, including the Great Fire of London and the Second Dutch War. He also told us what people ate and wore, what they did for fun, the tricks they played on each other, what they expected of marriage, and even how they conducted love affairs. He described London - the frozen river Thames, the rising crime rate and the poverty - and recorded the details of his own life: his wife, rivals, lovers and friends, his work for the Navy, his drinking and social life.

Over 350 years may have passed since Pepys first put pen to paper, but the man and his preoccupations feel surprisingly familiar. In this major BBC Radio dramatisation of the journals, the sights and sounds of his world are vividly conjured. This collection comprises all 10 radio series plus a special Saturday Drama centring on the Great Fire of London.

©2014 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2014 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd
  • Radio/TV Programme
  • Categories: History

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  • 14-08-16

Great adaptation

Addictive. Great performances. The only thing (as previously mentioned in other reviews) is that the music gets rather annoying. This is because originally the piece was made for radio in stand alone episodes. My tip would be to set your skip to 20secs and then tap it when the 'gather ye rosebuds' song begins. You will clip it out.
That is my only quibble. Other than that a most excellent programme.
And so, to bed.

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12 people found this helpful

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best thing I've ever listened to

I would give more than 5 stars if I could, best purchase ever. thankyou audible!

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2 people found this helpful

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Excellent

Wonderful in every way, a real treat which truly transports you back to the time of the plague and the fire if London, when life was far more precarious.

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1 person found this helpful

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Absolutely Love This

I have all the diaries & one of Mrs Pepe's & this play is an excellent transcribe of the life & times of this couple. I listen to this anytime I feel I need cheering up or if I am busy & need 12 hours of a play in the background to keep me company whilst I write. This play is like a friend there when you need it & you can dip in & out of the different years & still enjoy it. You can not go wrong with Pepe's if you like a good audio drama. You will love it. Enjoy !

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The past comes alive

I felt, having heard this wonderful audiobook, that I had gained a new family. I am saddened by their departure. It’s nice to know that I can meet with them again by going back to the start! Marvellous.

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engaging

Really rewarding listen. Brought 17th C London to vivid life with real vibrancy and colour.

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bringing history alive

really really love listening to this Kerr hearing about Sam and his wife and all his servants and friends best book so far

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Factual, fascinating & VERY entertaining!

This BBC production is so atmospheric. Every time I listen, I am transported; a journey into 1660's London - a living museum of filth, wit & wenches!

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Brilliant - funny, cruel & real.

Excellent performances from all of the cast. This is a tour de force - recommend you listen to it!

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4 people found this helpful

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Very enjoyable

Very entertaining. good story line with good wit.
Extremely well acted. A joy to listen to.

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1 person found this helpful