When we think of Restoration England, we may discuss William Wycherley, George Etherege, William Congreve, Aphra Behn, and George Farquhar in literature. For a look at the cultural background of Restoration period, we've relied on the diary of Samuel Pepys. Now, for the first time, we're getting a very different view of Restoration England.

BBC News Online recently announced the discovery of a forgotten diary from the 17th century. According to their report, "The diary covers the years 1677 to 1691 and will be published in 2005." As for the literary and historical importance of this work, Dr. Mark Goldie told BBC: "This is the most detailed account we have got of England in the 1680s, a very dark period of English history when there were political fears, show trials and widespread religious persecution." Read more about new view on the Restoration period.