The Diary of John Evelyn

The Diary of John Evelyn (1620-1706) is one of the principalliterary sources for life and manners in the English seventeenthcentury. Evelyn was one of an influential group of men which includedWren Pepys and Boyle; a founding member of the Royal Society he wasalso a friend of Charles II a Commissioner for sick seamen andprisoners of war during the Dutch Wars a prime mover behind Chelsea and Greenwich Hospitals and a prolific author who wrote about architecture art arboriculture fashion and pollution. In his Diary he recorded the events and experiences of his long and remarkable life;there are also extensive references to his family including hispoignant recollections of the children who predeceased him. Thisedition has been based on the only comprehensive and accuratetranscription by E.S. de Beer published by Oxford University Press in1955 but the text has been reworked into individual years and monthswhile retaining the original spelling and grammar throughout. GUYDE LA BÉDOYERE holds degrees in history and archaeology from the Universities of Durham and London.