PEPYS

HIS LIFE AND CHARACTER

(JOHN DRINKWATER)

1930 First Edition; Second Impression

If it is true that no man is a hero to his valet, then poor Samuel Pepys has been one of the most unheroic figures in literary history, for his inimitable Diary puts the whole in the position of his valet.  From this condition Mr Drinkwater’s illuminating biography rescues him and restores him to his true position as not only a great diarist but distinctly a great man as well.

The figure which the diary has imposed is that of a little man devoted to money, pigeon pies, female servants, music, worldly goods, physical ills, words from the King, and the lively minutiae of the navy office.

Mr Drinkwater discovers a man who, in the seventy years that saw Cromwell rise and fall, the Stuart dynasty decay and disappear, London burnt and England nearly annihilated by Holland, managed to found a great navy under infinite difficulties.  An astute statesman who could make a three-hour speech in parliament that shook all England, a quiet and determined executive who laid the foundations for England’s dominance of the seas, he was withal, a genial soul, a stately figure, a gentleman of parts.

This 1930 First edition, Second Impression hardback book remains in good overall condition considering its age however there are signs of wear to the pale brown hardboard covers (no dustjacket) in the form of general marks, rubbing, bumps, knocks and rubbing to the edges and corners (see photographs).  The gilt lettering on the spine has faded but remains clearly legible.  The binding is tight and all pages remain secure, and free from tears, creases, and any significant marks other than spotting which is evident on the page edges and more generally on the title page, flyleaves, and the index pages; it should be noted that the front paste-down does bear the name and address of a previous owner neatly written in blue ink.  The book runs to 380 pages (22cm x 13.5cm), includes a general index and an additional 17 pages of illustrative plates.