An Astrological Diary of the Seventeenth Century Samuel Jeake of Rye 1652-1699 [Hardcover]

A seventeenth-century merchant and nonconformist from Rye in Sussex, Samuel Jeake had a passionate interest in astrology. In his diary--recently recovered in Los Angeles and published here for the first time--Jeake not only recorded the events of his life; he subjected them to astrological scrutiny, interspersing his text with horoscopes. The result is one of the most interesting 17th-century diaries to be published in many years, throwing important light on the history of astrology, commerce, medicine, and religion. An illuminating introduction by the editors places the diary in the context of the preoccupations and priorities of Jeake's age.

This very useful edition of a previously unpublished later seventeenth-century diary is a welcome addition to the body of works in this genre in the period.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 will, without a doubt, provide an important source for social, intellectual, and religious historians as well as for the historians of science and astrology. Fresh insights into the changing intellectual temper of the time may be gained by studying this individual's presentation of his own private world which illuminates our understanding of contemporary assumptions and belief systems. The diary has intrinsic interest, too, for the general reader in that it presents an invaluable view of daily life in a provincial town and of familial and business relationships within it. --Albion

Both general and medical historians will enjoy this diary, it will sharpen their perception of everyday practices and make them cautious of generalizing about what was happening at the start of 'the age of reason.' Annabel Gregory has done a skillful job in transcribing the diary, Michael Hunter has written a splendid introduction, and both have produced brief but informative annotations to the text of the diary. --Bulletin of the History of Medicine