"John Evelyn's Diary," edited by Philip Francis, offers a curated selection from the extensive writings of the 17th-century English diarist, John Evelyn. Spanning over six decades, this memoir provides an invaluable firsthand account of a tumultuous period in British history, from 1640 until Evelyn's death in 1706. Evelyn, a polymath and Royalist, observed significant events including the English Civil War, the execution of Charles I, Oliver Cromwell's Protectorate, the Restoration of the Monarchy, the Great Plague of London, and the Great Fire of London. Beyond these grand historical moments, his entries detail a wide range of subjects, from art and culture to scientific pursuits, domestic life, and personal reflections. The edited volume allows readers to glimpse the intricate social, political, and cultural landscape of a rapidly changing England through the eyes of a keen observer.