The Great Fire of London

Originally written in code, Pepys’ diary includes his unforgettable eyewitness account of the 1666 Fire.

‘With one’s face in the wind you were almost burned with a shower of Firedrops’

A selection from Pepys’ startlingly vivid and candid diary, including his famous account of the Great Fire Introducing Little Black Classics- 80 books for Penguin’s 80th birthday. Little Black Classics celebrate the huge range and diversity of Penguin Classics, with books from around the world and across many centuries. They take us from a balloon ride over Victorian London to a garden of blossom in Japan, from Tierra del Fuego to 16th century California and the Russian steppe. Here are stories lyrical and savage; poems epic and intimate; essays satirical and inspirational; and ideas that have shaped the lives of millions.