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Samuel Pepys

The Unequalled Self

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Samuel Pepys

By: Claire Tomalin
Narrated by: Jill Balcon
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About this listen

 Samuel Pepys kept a diary in which he wrote with astonishing candour about the life he saw around him in London in the 1660s, and about his private desires and ambitions. The diary was kept for fewer than 10 years of his long life: Claire Tomalin tells the whole story of the Fleet Street tailor's son who made himself rich and powerful, an MP and adviser to royalty. She also traces his relations with many women, from countesses to servant girls, in a biography that is funny, moving, and as candid as Pepys himself.©2002 Claire Tomalin (P)2002 Penguin Audio Art & Literature Authors Europe Great Britain Historical England Royalty Funny Middle Ages United Kingdom Biography

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Critic reviews

"Tomalin not only brings him back to vibrant life, but makes a powerful case that he's more central, more 'relevant' than we ever imagined....She has restored to us the whole Pepys." ( The New York Times Book Review)
"Our greatest diarist, analyzed by one of our greatest biographers. Tomalin's flawless research and trademark empathy with her subjects should make this portrait of one of the most fascinating characters of 17th-century England the best biography of the autumn." ( Sunday Times [London])"Tomalin writes brilliant chapters on all aspects of Pepys's life, relying not only on the diary but also on impressive scholarship....For those who have already enjoyed the diary, Tomalin's learned and entertaining work admirably fills in the gaps." ( Publishers Weekly)
All stars
Most relevant
I strongly suggest that anyone planning to read Pepys's diaries should first read this excellent biography. And I highly recommend the audiobook version of the diaries as well.

Essential reading before you read the diaries.

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Tomalin writes so engagingly about her fascinating subject. She has clearly undertaken mammoth amounts of research. I wanted to hear this book after reading 'Restoration' by Rose Tremain. I do wonder if Tremain based her fictional protagonist on Mr Pepys. I highly recommend both books.

What an extraodinary, ordinary man!

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As is always the case with audio books, ones enjoyment and appreciation of a book is increased or diminished by the quality of the reading. Jill Balcon did a stellar job of reading this biography. One really felt like one was listening to Claire Tomalin, the biographer, talking and telling a story. Her intonation (with the occasional chuckle) and pacing were perfect. No mispronounced words and perfect understandable enunciation. This is a model on how it should be done.

The book itself is highly entertaining and fascinating, especially if you are interested in this period, as I am. The author fleshed out Pepys story with background on what was going on politically, as they affected his life profoundly. The 2nd half of the 17th century was full of turmoil and unrest and it gives insight to the twists and turns that Pepys' life took.

I've read bits and pieces of his diary, but not nearly the whole thing. The period in which he wrote it was fairly short, just a few years in his 20s and 30s. But if he led a fairly ordinary life for a gentleman of middle standing in that era, it is all the more interesting to read about it. Tomalin has done a thorough job of researching his life beyond the diaries and does say that there are certain things that we just don't know. Some is conjecture, based on the nature of the man we got to know in his diaries, but she does say this. She clearly grew to love and respect this enigmatic man and brings us the details of his life with such enthusiasm, that it is a joy to listen to.

Excellent throughout

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Would you listen to Samuel Pepys again? Why?

Yes, and furthermore, Claire tomalin made this difficult diary come to life

Who was your favorite character and why?

Samuel Pepys

Have you listened to any of Jill Balcon’s other performances? How does this one compare?

Not sure if I have listened to Jill balcon before

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Not an emotional reaction but very pleased that I read this

A book club choice, unexpectedly enjoyed this

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I ordered this to compensate for missing London during this period of confinement - I was not disappointed. To the uneducated (like myself) Pepys is revealed as so much more than his diaries, valuable as they are, what an incredible character. Beautifully and sucinctly written and narrated, no moment wasted in this biography - Pepys life and achievements are all addressed here, as are the author's - and readers will be the better for time spent in their company.

One for the bucket list

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