Selections from

The Diary of Samuel Pepys

Read by Michael Maloney

The diary of Samuel Pepys is perhaps the most well-known collection of reminiscences. He maintained it, in secrecy, from 1660, the year of the Restoration, until 1669, when fear of blindness prevented his daily labours. Though it covers less than a decade, it offers a lively and detailed insight into a period and a personality – for he noted events in both public and private life. Famous passages include descriptions of The Plague and the Great Fire of London. In this presentation key sections are set in historical context.

MICHAEL MALONEY

Michael Maloney’s many Shakespearean roles on the London stage include Edgar in King Lear, the title roles in Hamlet and Romeo and Juliet, Prince Hal in Henry IV Parts 1 & 2 ; on film he has appeared in Branagh’s productions of Hamlet and Henry V, as well as in Parker’s Othello. Other notable films include Minghella’s Truly, Madly, Deeply. He frequently performs on radio and TV. He has been involved in other Naxos AudioBooks productions including King Richard III, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Poets of the Great War. He has also played the part of George Tesman in Hedda Gabler for Naxos AudioBooks.