During the 1660s, Samuel Pepys kept a secret diary full of intimate details and political scandal. Had the contents been revealed, they could have destroyed his marriage, ended his career, and seen him arrested. This engaging book explores the creation of the most famous journal in the English language, how it came to be published in 1825, and the many remarkable roles it has played in British culture since then. Kate Loveman – one of the few people who can read Pepys's shorthand – unlocks the riddles of the diary, investigating why he chose to preserve such private matters for later generations. She also casts fresh light on the women and sexual relationships in Pepys's life and on Black Britons living in or near his household. Exploring the many inventive uses to which the diary has been put, Loveman shows how Pepys's history became part of the history of the nation.

‘Samuel Pepys and his diary are ‘strange’ on so many levels - the contents are strange, the manner of the diary’s creation and even its preservation are strange, as well as subsequent generations’ responses to it. Kate Loveman has done an excellent job in helping readers navigate the diary’s many fascinating layers.’

Margaret Ezell - author of The Oxford English Literary History, Volume V

‘A fascinating study of the history of the most famous diary in the anglophone world. Kate Loveman reveals there is so much more to this diary than we ever realized. Totally absorbing.’

Tim Harris - author of Restoration: Charles II and His Kingdoms, 1660–1685 and Revolution: The Great Crisis of the British Monarchy, 1685–1720

'Kate Loveman has written a book that knows exactly what it is about. It is written with complete clarity, it is organised intelligibly, and it keeps us turning the pages with its skilful and thorough storytelling.'

Rowan Williams Source: New Statesman