An Astrological Diary of the Seventeenth Century: Samuel Jeake of Rye, 1652-1699

Samuel Jeake (1652-1699) was a merchant and nonconformist of Rye in Sussex with a passionate interest in astrology. His diary is here published for the first time; in it he not only recorded the events of his life in detail but subjected them to astrological scrutiny, interspersing his text with horoscopes. The resulting work is one of the most interesting seventeenth-century diaries to be published this century, throwing new light on the history both of astrology and on the topics with which this is juxtaposed in the course of the book - commercial, medical, religious, and intellectual.The text is prefaced by a lengthy and illuminating introduction which sets the diary in context. Apart from giving a full account of this little-known personality, it makes a significant contribution to our understanding of the preoccupations and priorities of Jeake's age, and not least the rationale and affiliations of astrology in the age of the Financial Revolution.

Review :
' Hunter and Gregory display impeccable editorial skills. The annotation is scrupulous and informative; books, people and significant events are briefly and precisely identified. They have also supplied a brilliant introduction, essential reading for historians of the period, and a series of appendices, mainly concerned with astrology, that greatly enhance the value of the book ... They have given us one of the best recent books on the history of medicine and astrology in early modern England and an important contribution to economic and ecclesiatical history.' Medieval History ' 'Jeake's meticulously edited diary should continue to attract the attention of social historians for years to come.' The Listener `a valuable source and deserves to be widely known' English Historical Review 'edited with marvellous care' Daily Telegraph ' this diary of a puritan Pooter, handsomely produced by the Clarendon Press, remains an interesting curiosity ... full of delicious moments of unintentional comedy' The Spectator 'this book is something for which ... we can be very grateful.' Patrick Curry 'With its substantial introduction, glossary of technical terms ... this annotated text is a prime addition to the diverse literature of the subject' History and Archaeology Review 'It is a fascinating source both for an astrological interpretation of day-to-day life, and for the record of books Jeake read. For once a publisher's blurb seems justified: this probably is 'one of the most interesting seventeenth-century diaries to be published this century'.' J.C. Robertson, Washington University, St Louis, Renaissance Studies 'This very useful edition of a previously unpublished later seventeenth-century diary is a welcome addition to the body of works in this genre in the period ... it presents an invaluable view of daily life in a provincial town and of familial and business relationships within it.' Lotte Mulligan, La Trobe University, Albion