Half a year in… it seems like the diary’s been going a long time, but we’ve only just begun! Thanks to everyone who’s contributed annotations to the site — I’m sure I speak for many people when I say the diary has come alive thanks to the information and discussion posted over the past few months. Here are some statistics for you about the diary so far…
- 183 diary entries.
- 272 people met or referred to by Pepys.
- 566 Background Info pages.
- 4,785 annotations posted (3740 for the diary, 1045 for the Background Info).
- Over 8,000 page views per day (average for June).
13 Comments
First Reading
Mandella • Link
And congratulations to you, Phil! A visit to your site has become an essential part of my morning ritual over the past 6 months, and I look forward with great pleasure to the unfolding of the diary in coming years. And as a reader rather than a contributor, many many thanks to all annotators whose comments and links keep taking me down the most fascinating alleyways. Keep up the good work!
Arbor • Link
... it is now my homepage. The first thing I do each morning! Again... thanks Phil!
anthony • Link
Likewise, congratulations...this place is always my first online port of call.
I've glanced at the printed versions of the Diary before, but inevitably you end up skimming and skipping. This way you feel things unfold.
Who'd have thought the internet would have given us the benefit of Slow for once ?
Robert Cone • Link
I've enjoyed the diary more than anything on the net ever, and have made it my home page. The chief pleasure is the timelessness (and timeliness) of the entries, that greatly resemble in style and often in substance, those seen on my previous home page, Yahoo News.
Jenny Doughty • Link
Couldn't agree more Robert. It's the one day at a time thing that makes it much more fun to read, and it's my first port of call for the day when I turn the computer on.
Barbara • Link
I try to save reading it until I have my lunchtime sandwich, but usually can't wait that long. I love the diaries, and re-read the L&M version regularly, especially my favourite years (1660, 1965, 1666). The amazing background knowledge and links to other sites add greatly to my enjoyment.
I'm dithering about when to retire: when I do I plan to follow all the links. Many, many thanks, Paul.
language hat • Link
Funny, I read it in the evening, when I can savor it.
I add my deep thanks, Phil. You're a real benefactor.
peter mehlin • Link
Yes, yes, yes, many many thanks. I have never felt such a sense of history. I always read it at least a day or two behind to take advantage of all the smart annotations.
mary house • Link
I too read the diary in the evening. I sit in the dark in the library with only the computer screen aglow and I feel I'm time traveling to the 17th century. Thanks Phil.
Glenn Collins • Link
Many thanks for all the efforts to bring the Diary to an environment where Pepys fans can identify themselves to others as well as contribute to a collective passion. I am an avid reader of the Latham and Matthews text - 1664 so far. Your site brings it all to life. Thanks.
Laura K • Link
Has it been six months already?
This site never ceases to amaze me. Unlike most readers (from what I gather), I read a week's worth of Diary entries in one sitting. It's like a chapter in a book, or an installment in a serial drama.
As I go about my day, many things make me think of Sam and his world. That speaks to how the Diary has become part of my life!
Phil: thank you, thank you, thank you!!
David Cooper • Link
We treasure this bit of England now that we reside in the US. Many thanks.
PHE • Link
A superb site Phil
Its ironic that 20th century technology has proved (for me at least) the best way of fully appreciating a 17th century diary. Despite having read much of the diary before, its seeing it day-by-day that I feel I get a real sense of the development of Sam's life and career, as well as a chance to take in the detail. I often don't manage to view the site every day, and then feel guilty for neglecting 'our friend' when several days have passed!