John Evelyn and his Books
William Seymour introduces the scientist, architect, gardener, forester and book-collector, John Evelyn; one of the most distinguished polymaths of the English seventeenth century.
In the seventeenth century there were still a few men who could reasonably be held to have learnt all there was to learn, whether of literature or of the contemporary sciences; and such a man was John Evelyn. Much of the magnificent library he collected, his many learned books and pamphlets, his diary and a large collection of letters have come down to the present day.
And, although one of his houses—Wotton House, near Dorking—has been extensively rebuilt, and the other—Sayes Court, Deptford, with its lovely garden—has now completely disappeared, this gentle virtuoso continues to exist through the books he left behind him.
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