Evelyn was at the centre of English social and political life in the17c,
friend of Charles II, member of Royal Society.
The Diary of John Evelyn (1620-1706) is one of the principal literary
sources for life and manners in the English seventeenth century. Evelyn
was one of an influential group of men which included Wren, Pepys and
Boyle; afounding member of the Royal Society, he was also a friend of
Charles II, a Commissioner for sick seamen and prisoners 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.
This edition has been based on the only comprehensive and accurate
transcription, by E.S. de Beer, published by Oxford University Press in
1955, but the text hasbeen reworked into individual years and months
while retaining the original spelling and grammar throughout.
GUY DE LA BÉDOYERE holds degrees in history and archaeology from the
Universities of Durham and London.