The Diary of John Evelyn: Volume 2

This volume of memoirs chronicles John Evelyn's life from 1647 to 1676, highlighting significant historical events, including the Restoration and the Great Fire.

In The Diary of John Evelyn: Volume 2, the renowned Stuart writer and gardener John Evelyn shares his personal reflections and experiences from 1647 to 1676. This volume, part of a three-volume 1906 edition, delves into significant historical events such as the Restoration of Charles II and the devastating Great Fire of London in 1666. Evelyn, who began keeping a diary at the age of eleven, meticulously compiled his memoirs in the 1680s, offering readers a unique glimpse into his life and the tumultuous times he lived through.

Edited by Austin Dobson, this edition not only presents Evelyn's writings but also includes an extensive preface where Dobson articulates his motivations for revisiting a work that had already garnered considerable attention. His introduction provides a brief biography of Evelyn, enriching the reader's understanding of the author’s context and the historical backdrop against which he wrote. The memoir captures Evelyn's experiences during the Interregnum and his eventual return to England, alongside the societal upheavals of the Plague and the Great Fire.

The Diary of John Evelyn: Volume 2 stands as a testament to the life of a man who witnessed and documented the complexities of 17th-century England. Through his detailed accounts, readers gain insight into the personal and public challenges of the era, making this volume an invaluable resource for those interested in history, literature, and the human experience.