Written in the highly romantic style of the Victorians, it is still a highly engaging life of a remarkable man.

Pepys grew up during the English Civil War, was a Roundhead as a boy and a Royalist as a man. His cousin Montagu was his entree into politics and royal circles. He had a brief naval career, and whilst in Holland, met the next three Kings of England - two of whom he would serve, and one who would end his career.

His diaries are wonderful sources for the Restoration, the Great Fire of London, and the Glorious Revolution.

This period in English History was not my forte, so this provided a slightly rose-coloured view.