INTRODUCTION li 



Bookman and library-lover as he was, Grolier's 

 generously genial motto, Sibi et Amicis, would not have 

 sufficed the large-hearted and -minded Evelyn, for 

 whom Mundo et Sibi would have better expressed his 

 far-reaching humanity. Not only may he stand for 

 the fine flower of English gentlehood of his day, but 

 he offers the broadest and fullest example of Carolean 

 culture and conduct, as Sidney fitly represents these 

 qualities in the Elizabethan period. It is true that 

 none of Evelyn's numerous writings scales the poetic 

 peaks of Sidney's " Arcadia " nor glows with the 

 fiery fervour of his " Defence of Poesie." In Evelyn, 

 the chivalry and urbanity of his character and style 

 interchangeable words are toned and tinctured by 

 something of the chill autumnal hues of Puritan 

 austerity or are modified by the sweet seriousness, as 

 well as reasonableness of Falkland, who died a martyr 

 to moderation and the middle course. Although Evelyn 

 held aloof from the storm and stress of politics and 

 revolution, and as a moral-minded man was revolted 

 by the scandalous licence and dissoluteness of Charles's 

 Court, he was a trusted adviser to Charles II. and his 

 brother ; and as Member of the Council of Foreign 

 Plantations (or as we should now say, of the Colonies) 

 and a Commissioner of the Privy Seal, he served both 



