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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)
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a lovely, well-paced skim through the life of a truly extraordinary historical figure, hero and rogue

beautifully read and wonderfully written

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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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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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A must listen for anyone familiar with Pepys diary.This book fills in all the gaps within the diary,it gives explanation to questions posed throughout the diary.excellent narration and an compelling listen.

Faye missing link.

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I really enjoyed this book. It moved along at a much more spanking rate than Tomalin's other recent biography on Charles Dickens (perhaps as there is less material available to the biographer?), so was quite gripping. But another man I found I didn't like much! Tomalin does give herself away this time in her admiration of him, less impartial in her view. Jill Balcon has a lovely measured 'posh' way of speaking, This is pitched perfectly at some points, like when describing in graphic detail the procedure of having ones kidney stones removed by 1600's method without anaesthetic! Think her dulcit tones where the only thing that got me through that passage!

Very interesting

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Having enjoyed this so much I’m now ready to plough into the diaries themselves. A wonderful insight into the man, and read so beautifully by Jill Bacon. Loved every minute of it.

Wonderful

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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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A wonderful story of a fascinating period of history seen through the eyes of the great diarist. Jill Balcon reads this book superbly and her tone is perfectly matched
Superb

Wonderfully entertaining

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Great narration of a fascinating life. Tomalin is a great writer, well researched and very interesting. Would recommend.

Fantastic

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Claire Tomalin has a light touch, like a competent portrait painter she deftly sketches the background of her subjects in order to provide context

Lest We Forget

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