via libri, way of the book

a friend let me borrow one of her rare books (a copy of the diary of samuel peyps, circa the mid 1600's) the book itself was published in 1924, so is approaching 100 years old!  once i recovered my breathing i took it safely home and began reading.

for peyps, who was an administer of the navy of england and a member of parliament, keeping a diary was a daily discipline.  his entries begin with 'up and to the office' and always end with 'and then to bed'.

in between are some hilarious observations about human nature, commerce, and daily life in england during that time.  for example, i notice a steady diet of swan pies.  also, references (and not always flattering ones) to the hired help.  not to mention musings as to why his uncle is so interested in whether peyps' wife is with child or not and samuel hoping it is because he wants to give them money.

he is also very into the details of his shaving, noting the type of razor he is using and whether shaving his beard will make such an endeavor easier (yes). all in a day, eh?

if you, like me, are a book lover extraordinaire, you might also like this website about rare books to add to your collection:  www.vialibri.net

happy journal entries, or blogging, as we say today...

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