I gave up trying to listen to Samuel Pepys for now. The audio book I found at my library was in tapes, and it made the whole process too dificult. I could not listen in the car or download to my ipod. So I am returning it for now. I will request that the library purchase another edition on CDs.

Having given up on finding an unabridged copy of the diary, I checked this out from the library. I enjoyed listening to it very much. Kenneth Branaugh's reading is engaging and his voice very pleasant. The selections from the diary were very interesting to me as I am interested in British history and maritime history. I did not know until I started listening that Pepys had such an important job regarding the Royal Navy. Hearing all the talk of masts and knees made me miss my college shipwreck archaeology class. Most of the diary is interesting for other reasons, though. Pepys's account of the Great Fire, for example, is so vivid that I could see it all in my mind's eye and feel the rising panic. And then there are all of the events surrounding King Charles II and the first Anglo-Dutch War, not to mention the Plague.... His personal affairs are just as interesting, particularly his dealings with his wife and various lovers. I felt so sorry for his wife as I listened and wished she had left diaries too, because I am sure her side of the story would be very interesting. For anyone who loves history and enjoys the weird little details that make up life, this is a must-read or must-listen. ( )

Better than I thought it would be. Not the endless, wordy school-stuff of Dickens. Pepys was an interesting man in interesting times who thought very highly of himself and his financial and sexual prowess. ( )

Brilliant reading by Kenneth Branagh ( )