Samuel Pepys: The Years of Peril, 1669-1683

by Bryant

Book by Bryant

Genres: History, Biography, Nonfiction

Paperback

First published January 1, 1952

Reviews

[Margie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is volume 2 of Bryant's 3 volume biography of the life of Samuel Pepys, famous English diarist. In this volume Samuel Pepys becomes a political prisoner in the Tower accused of treason during a plot by the Republicans in Parliament to overthrow Charles II. Never one to give up easily, Pepys engineers his own release with assiduous and unrelenting investigation (while a prisoner in the Tower!) into the background and character of his accuser, John Scott, a notorious scam artist on two continents, hired by the Duke of Buckingham as part of the Popish plots.

At the end of this volume, Charles II has again gained the upper hand against his political enemies and has asked Pepys to sail on a mission to Tangier, an English outpost. Pepys, who lost his position as Secretary to the Admiralty when he was thrown in the Tower is happy to again be employed by the King. The book ends with Pepys sailing off to undertake a dangerous mission in Tangier. Cliff hanger! Volume 3 next!

The events of Pepys life read like historical fiction, even though Bryant's biography is slow-paced and thoroughly academic. How Pepys ever survived to old age is astounding. Someone should make a movie!

[Rob Markley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Middle volume of Bryant's life of Pepys based on the famous diaries. Probably puts the context of the great naval administrator into perspective

[Dean · Rating 2 out of 5]

My overall impression of the book was slightly underwhelming. Although the author covers The Years of Peril in good detail—particularly the Navy, King Charles II, and the political turmoil of the time—I felt I didn’t come away knowing much more about Pepys himself. The focus leaned more toward the period than the man. I would recommend reading other books on Pepys for a deeper and more rounded understanding of both his character and the era he lived in.

[Lucy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Immensely detailed and maybe rather dry as a consequence, but of course this was written before history had to be infantilised to hold anyone's attention. I found it interesting to read about Pepys from outside to balance what he presents in his diaries.