A.K. Frailey’s Reviews > The Diary of Samuel Pepys, Vol 1: 1660 > Status Update

When Samuel Pepys watches a public execution and still manages to go out to eat, I couldn't help but wonder how cold his heart had become. But by the end of the week, after 10 executions, he seems to be feeling some real grief. Was it not safe to feel? Or did he really have an unimaginably hard heart?

Though i really want to like Samuel - it is pretty obvious that his morals are rather porous... "Get what you can while the getting is good." Seems to be the thinking of the day.

The Maypole is back and the people rejoice. What did the Puritans have against the Maypole?

Very strange to see the 1660's from such an up close and personal approach. Nothing like reading the diary of a man who lived then.

So now it is okay to drink to the king's health - even though he hasn't shown up yet. What an amazingly organic process this was... One just never knew what was going to happen next. No voting booths, stats or early reports...just lots and lots of speculation, hopes and fears.

There is a lot of information here, you just have to read the footnotes to understand their significance...

I love the mix of personal and public viewpoints...a very refreshing take on history, nothing like a textbook.

Very interesting the way Samuel Pepys mixed public events, social commentaries, and private home life issues into his diary.

Finally got to the actual diary and I must say - Samuel lives up to his reputation! I would love to sit down with this guy - except he seems to be forever going places... Before internet people had to actually go to people's homes and chat and then go to another house/inn/tavern and chat...go to a place of business and chat...

I'm finally ready to read the actual diary. The introduction gave me a real appreciation for what the diary is about and the work it took to bring it to light.