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*Samuel Pepys: The Years of Peril* by Arthur Bryant is a biography that focuses on the turbulent and challenging period in the life of Samuel Pepys, the famous English diarist and naval administrator, during the mid-17th century. Arthur Bryant, a noted British historian, provides an in-depth look at the most critical years of Pepys' life, particularly during times of national crisis and personal danger.
This volume is part of Bryant’s broader biographical trilogy on Pepys, covering his life during key historical events such as the Second Anglo-Dutch War (1665-1667), the Great Plague of London (1665), and the Great Fire of London (1666). The title “Years of Peril” reflects these dramatic events, which had profound impacts on both Pepys’ personal life and his career.
Bryant vividly portrays Pepys’ role in the Admiralty, where he played a vital part in organizing and managing England's naval affairs during wartime. Despite facing the risks of war, disease, and fire, Pepys also maintained his famous diary, which documented not only public events but also his personal thoughts, desires, and struggles. The biography gives a glimpse into how Pepys navigated political intrigue, personal health issues (including his famous surgery for bladder stones), and professional challenges.
Arthur Bryant’s work is known for being both scholarly and accessible, drawing on Pepys' extensive diaries while also placing his life within the broader context of 17th-century English history. *The Years of Peril* offers readers an insightful look at a man who, despite the chaos around him, made significant contributions to the development of the British Navy and left a lasting legacy through his detailed personal accounts.
