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Samuel Pepys
- The Unequalled Self
- Narrated by: Jill Balcon
- Length: 6 hrs and 22 mins
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Samuel Pepys
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Summary
Critic reviews
"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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What listeners say about Samuel Pepys
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Katharine
- 05-10-22
What an extraodinary, ordinary man!
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.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- PJ
- 13-03-20
beautifully read and wonderfully written
a lovely, well-paced skim through the life of a truly extraordinary historical figure, hero and rogue
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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- Cathy
- 29-10-13
A book club choice, unexpectedly enjoyed this
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
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Diane Severson
- 04-09-17
Excellent throughout
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.
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3 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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- diane boustany
- 28-11-20
One for the bucket list
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.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- tonyridgway
- 28-06-15
Faye missing link.
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.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
- Clare
- 25-05-12
Very interesting
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!
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Monijt
- 26-09-22
Wonderful
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.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- lizzie book-worm
- 12-04-23
Brilliant
I have been reading Pepys Diary and Clair Tomalin's biography enhances my enjöyment of the diary and fills in other parts of his life in all its humanity. A brilliant biography of a brilliant man, well read by Jill Balcon.
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- MrPower
- 23-07-20
Essential reading before you read the diaries.
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.
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3 people found this helpful