Joys of Excess

Samuel Pepys (1633-1703) was a naval administrator, Member of Parliament and best remembered as a diarist. Kept between 1660-1669 and written in Shelton's shorthand, Pepys' diary recorded major historical events, like The Plague and The Great Fire of London alongside his more personal concerns and activities, including politics, his work in public life and rows with his wife, Elizabeth. Throughout are his fulsome thoughts on food, including his first encounters with drinking chocolate.

A visceral, earthy writer

• 1: 1660: Wine from the Rhine and a Cupp of China Tea 2: 1661: Botargo, Bread and Butter by Moonshine 3: 1662: Boiled Great Oysters and a Brace of Stewed Carps 4: 1663: Eeles, Teales and a Hot Umble-Pie 5: 1664: Cake for a Wake and a Good Hog’s Harslet 6: 1665: The Meanest Dinner, in the Meanest Manner, to the Basest Degree 7: 1666: Preventing the Parmazan from Perishing 8: 1667: Bellyfuls of Milk and the Best of Cheese-cakes 9: 1668: Curds and Whey Won’t Keep Belly-ake at Bay 10: 1669: Mightily Magnified Sawce for Flesh, Foul or Fish