John Evelyn

John Evelyn (31 October 1620 – 27 February 1706) was an English writer, gardener and diarist. He is primarily known for his diary, which provides an important historical account of life in 17th-century England.

Early Life

Evelyn was born in Wotton, Surrey, the son of Richard Evelyn, an English landowner, and his wife, Eleanor. He was educated at the free school in Southover, Sussex, and at Balliol College, Oxford.

Career

Evelyn's career spanned several fields. He was a prominent member of the Royal Society, contributing to its early development. He also served as a public servant, working in various capacities for the English government.

In addition to his public service, Evelyn was a prolific writer. His most famous work is his diary, which provides a detailed account of life in 17th-century England. The diary covers a wide range of topics, including politics, science, and social issues.

Evelyn was also a passionate gardener. He wrote several books on gardening, including Sylva, or A Discourse of Forest-Trees, which was the first comprehensive study of forestry in England.

Legacy

Evelyn's diary remains a valuable source of information about 17th-century England. His contributions to the Royal Society and his work in forestry have also had a lasting impact.

See Also

• List of English diarists
• History of gardening
• Royal Society

External Links

• Works by John Evelyn at Project Gutenberg
• John Evelyn at Encyclopædia Britannica

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