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Title:
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Samuel Pepys: The Unequalled Self |
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Authors:
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Tomalin, Claire |
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Genre:
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Non Fiction |
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Pages:
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499 |
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Year:
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2003 |
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Language:
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English |
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Description:
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A meticulous biography, capturing the life of Samuel Pepys, the most famous diarist in English letters. Tomalin focuses on Pepys' life and times, including plague, fire, war, peace, domesticity, ill-health and extended family - all coloured by Pepys' own words as expressed in his journals. Winner of Whitbread Book Award (Biography). [Big read, small font]
Comments from Groups: Those who read the book loved it. Gave an amazing insight into life of the times and a close up look at Pepys. He was an extraordinary man. Tomalin's writing made the book come alive. Wellington 107 Great discussion. Well written. More time needed to read the book. Heaps of info and good social history. Raumati 001 Everyone loved the book and we talked for hours. Auckland 199 Those who tackled it found it a most interesting, challenging read. Stratford 001 Overdose of facts but great history lesson...Lively discussion. Pleased we live in the 21st century. Wellington 021 Would have preferred it as a mid-winter book as it was difficult to read in short bursts. Christchurch 185
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Categories:
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Non fiction, Big reads, Biography, Literary, Award winner, Small font |
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By: OTORO 002
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2023-07-19 12:26:40 |
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Those who persevered found it a very interesting read. A few did not attempt or gave up because of small text and/or not interested in topic. |
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By: DUNED 005
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2022-05-16 11:04:37 |
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We were surprised at what an impact this book made on us. It gave rise to lots of discussion. Brilliantly researched and very well written. It gives real insight into how life was lived in the 17th century. But the comment "Not a lot has changed" came from many. (A long read on small print, though!) |
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By: AUCK 277
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2022-02-02 13:27:28 |
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We all found the print a bit too small for easy reading. All but two had a good go at reading it, and felt we learnt a bit. |
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By: DUNED 063
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2022-02-02 13:19:54 |
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Only 2 people read it to the end. Most people only read excerpts, and most found it heavy going, and didn't enjoy the style of writing. Those who finished it enjoyed it very much and learnt a lot. |
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By: CHCH 099
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2022-02-02 13:15:58 |
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A good discussion. Some enjoyed the book while others found it a bit tedious, but most thought it was well-written and researched. |
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By: WELL 062
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2022-02-02 13:14:36 |
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All members enjoyed this biography and were most impressed by the scholarship of the author. Several have decided to purchase a copy, seeing it as a 'must have' book which will thoroughly justify re-reading. |
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By: CART 002
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2022-02-02 13:07:22 |
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Well received. Provoked lively discussion. Quality of research appreciated. |
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By: MOTUEK 001
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2022-02-02 13:05:29 |
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Greatly enjoyed by almost all the group. |
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By: WELL 156
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2022-02-02 13:04:50 |
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Most were very interested in the subject, and felt there was good coverage of the period. Some thought the writing was a bit flat and did not stimulate appropriate interest. |
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By: HAMIL 003
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2022-02-02 13:01:40 |
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Only a few of us got right through the book, but those who did found it interesting, although Samuel didn't endear himself to anyone... |
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By: WELL 047
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2022-02-02 13:00:05 |
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About half the group enjoyed the book. We had a good discussion. |
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By: WELL 001
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2022-02-02 12:59:22 |
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Very sharp difference in opinion. Some found there was just too much detail, others were delighted with the vivid picture of the time. |
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By: CAMB 001
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2022-02-02 12:57:27 |
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Some found it hard work but very enjoyable. Good discussion - has society changed much since Pepys' days |
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By: CHCH 395
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2022-02-02 12:56:12 |
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All the group enjoyed this book, or different parts of it. We found the times he lived in very interesting, and loved how it was written. |
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By: WELL 007
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2022-02-02 12:53:12 |
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Fascinating insight into life in the 1600s - very interesting book. |
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By: PALMN 002
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2022-02-02 12:52:22 |
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All but 1 member found the book very interesting. Some liked the details on personal relationships, others the insights on the history of that turbulent era, seen from inside the power elite. |
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By: AUCK 162
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2022-02-02 12:49:39 |
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Beautifully written. Great insight into the man. Full of interesting historical detail. Lovely portrayal of Pepys' characteristics. Some struggled with the small print. |
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