Categories: uncategorized
Date: 21 January 2004 22:41:48
Literatea is involved in an exciting new project- The Big Read's Big Read*
*not in any way affiliated with any project of a similar name by one of the larger broadcasting agencies
The Big Read's Big Read will be a series of interviews, crossing culture, genre and time to bring you, the reader (I know you're out there somewhere, Mrs Billings of 9, Trewin Road, Southend-on-Sea), the thoughts, hopes and general answers to Life's Big Questions of the Literati.
We thought we'd start with a bang, so enjoy the first in the series by diarist Samuel Pepys.
What name do you go by?
Samuel Pepys
What's your favourite food?
We dined once at the Bull Head upon the best venison pasty that ever I eat of in my life; and with one dish more, it was the best dinner I ever was at.
Who is your dream date?
Deb Willet- endeed she is mighty pretty; and so pretty, that I find I shall be too much pleased with it, and therefore could be contented as to my judgment, though not to my passion, that she might not come, lest I may be found too much minding her, to the discontent of my wife.
Who is your pop idol?
Dutton's wife sings very prettily (a mighty fat woman)
What makes you happy?
This day by the blessing of God, my wife and I have been married nine years- but my head being full of business, I did not think of it, to keep it in any extraordinary manner. But bless God for our long lives and loves and health together, which the same God long continue, I wish from my very heart.
If you could have one thing in the world, what would it be?
An interesting sermon- 5th Feb 1660, a stranger preached a poor sermon; 17th Feb 1661, a most tedious, unseasonable, and impertinent sermon by an Irish doctor; 27th April 1662, on board the Swallow in the dock, hear our nave chaplin preach a sad sermon, full of nonsense and false Latin; 21 June 1663, So to church and slept all sermon.
What/who are your biggest influences?
The King seeing me, did come to me in Whitehall, and calling me by name, did discourse with me about the ships in the river; and this is the first time that ever I knew the King did know me personally!
Do you have a recommended read for fans?
Read Cicero's Second Oracion Against Cataline , which pleased me exceedingly; and more I discern therein then ever I thought was to be found in him. But I perceive it was my ignorance, and that he is as good a writer as ever I read in my life.