The Diary of John Evelyn

Introduced by Sir Roy Strong. The Everyman edition of John Evelyn's Diary is published to coincide with the tercentenary of Evelyn's death in 1706. There is no other edition currently in print.
Sometimes overshadowed by his friend and contemporary, Samuel Pepys, Evelyn is the other great English diarist. He was a scholar, a scientific amateur, a garden designer and architect, and a founder member of the Royal Society who published a magisterial book about trees, Sylva, and many pamphlets on assorted subjects. His great interest as a diarist is that he was privy to all the great men and events of his very long life, from the execution of Charles I to the accession of Queen Anne, whereas Pepys writes of a relatively short period.
A personal friend of Charles II, he observed at close quarters- and with some disapproval- that monarch's amorous life, and the diaries contain vivid portraits of Nell Gwynn, other royal mistresses and their children. The personalities of James II, the Dukes of Monmouth and Marlborough, and Judge Jeffreys, also figure largely. But this is more than a social record.
Why You Should Read?
Offers detailed observations of major historical events, including the execution of Charles I and the accession of Queen Anne.
Provides vivid portraits of key figures like Nell Gwynn, James II, and the Dukes of Monmouth and Marlborough.
Offers a close-up view of the personal life of Charles II, with some critical observations.
Presents a broader scope than Pepys' diary, covering a much longer period and offering wider historical context.
About the Author
John Evelyn was a prominent English diarist, scholar, and founding member of the Royal Society. His extensive writings provide invaluable insights into 17th-century English society, culture, and politics. Evelyn's detailed observations and firsthand accounts offer a unique perspective on major historical events and the lives of influential figures. His contributions as a garden designer and architect further highlight his diverse intellectual pursuits.