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  • The Diary of Samuel Pepys, Volume 1, 1660-1663

  • By: Samuel Pepys
  • Narrated by: Kenneth Branagh
  • Length: 2 hrs and 53 mins
  • 4.4 out of 5 stars (67 ratings)
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The Diary of Samuel Pepys, Volume 1, 1660-1663 cover art

The Diary of Samuel Pepys, Volume 1, 1660-1663

By: Samuel Pepys
Narrated by: Kenneth Branagh
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Summary

Samuel Pepys' classic diaries, brought to life by Kenneth Branagh.

Pepys' Diary is one of the most celebrated journals of all time. Such is the wit and style of Pepys' writing that listeners to this selection from the early years of the diary will gain not only a unique view of 17th century London life but also a vivid picture of Pepys the man as he strives to establish himself in his career and in society.

©2008 Hodder & Stoughton (P)2008 Hodder & Stoughton

What listeners say about The Diary of Samuel Pepys, Volume 1, 1660-1663

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  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars

Much Lost in the Abridgement

Branagh's reading is delightful but it doesn't make up for the yawning gaps in Pepy's life that are so obvious in this abridged version.

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars

Following Pepys abroad.

To get the flavour of the mid 17th century, this is enlightening. I think the language and labourious nature of Pepys daily regime is difficult for us to fully comprehend BUT there are little gems in the writing and surprising anecdotes and it is so much easier to listen to an audio rendition rather than trying to wade through the original diary.

For historians this is excellent. For me, certainly of interest , and I'm glad I listened to it.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Superb

I heard Kenneth Branagh's reading some years ago and was delighted to see this on Audible. The charm and fascination of Pepys is that his world is brought to life and his foibles are unintentionally exposed. Kenneth Branagh brings the old boy to life. He gives him the depth he deserves as a human being. It is all here - his ambition, greed, adultery, incisiveness, huge administrative ability and vanity. It is a portal into a vanished world.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Eye witness history doesn't come better than this

I've read Pepys's diaries any number of times, they've always held a fascination. Listening to an audio is a terrific way to enjoy the journals, but I don't like the narrator He reads too quickly with very little effort at conveying the emotions behind the words. It'a almost as if by an automaton and misses the obvious joy for life that runs through Pepys thoughts and words.
I will be listening to the rest of the diaries, because I listen with my husband and we enjoy discussing them together, but it's a shame the narrator has made them rather dull.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A primary source of a fascinating few years

Wonderfully read by Kenneth Branagh, Pepys personal diaries, covering the historic occasion of restoration of Charles II, to the run-of-the-mill of the normal everyday life from 1660 to 1663 is fascinating. It’s the little nuggets of the everyday that I personally found fascinating. Looking forward to the next two volumes.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Best of the Lot

The work itself is both important and fascinating and I don't think you could have a better reader than Kenneth Branagh, who I felt completely communicates the spirit of Samual Pepys.

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