Diary

Diary, book containing a daily record of events and personal observations. Diaries are often of great value to historians and biographers, especially those written for private personal gratification rather than for later publication. The Romans kept daily records of various kinds, and there are fascinating Japanese diaries of the 10th and 11th centuries. The earliest known English diaries were written by the astrologer John Dee (1527–1608) and Edward VI. The 17th century produced famous literary diarists such as John Evelyn and Samuel Pepys. In the 18th century John Wesley kept a journal for 66 years. Fanny Burney (Madame D'Arblay) recorded her meetings with George III, Samuel Johnson, and other notables. Queen Victoria's monumental diary spans her entire life from the age of 13.