The Diaries of a Bavarian Minister in 18th Century Munich

In preparation for new Leyland posts, I was researching the way how people kept diaries and calendars in the

18th century. That is how I stumbled upon the 38 diaries of a Bavarian politician of the 18th century: Johann Maximilian Emanuel von Preysing (1687-1764; Google did not translate the article well, sorry). He was member of a very old and powerful Bavarian family and had a successful career.

But the really interesting thing is what remained of him: his diaries covering the years 1717 to 1763 - 38 books alltogether. Here's an English summary by the Bavarian State Library:

As an official of the Bavarian State and Minister, Johann Maximilian Emanuel von Preysing (1687 to 1764) belongs to the most influential persons of Bavarian politics in the 18th century.
Among Preysing's personal papers 38 pocket calendars have survived, which are today held by the Bayerische Staatsbibliothek (shelf mark Cod.germ. 5456). The calendars are specimens of the "Schreib-Calender auf ein besondere Form und Weiß allen Obrigkeiten, Kauff- und Handels-Leuthen, auch männiglich zum täglichen Nutz also eingericht" (calendar in a special form for all authorities, merchants and tradesmen, with facilities for daily use for everyone), which was customary in Bavaria in the 18th century and was published in Munich by the "Kurfürstlicher Hofbuchdrucker und -händler" (book printer and -trader of the electoral court) Heinrich Theodor von Cölln (later on by Franz Joseph Thuille). In addition to the calendar sheets, it contained much information that was specific to the region).
The volumes, whose dimensions are approximately 20 x 15 cm, were filled by Preysing with personal notes and appointment dates from 1717 to 1763. The calendars document, albeit with some gaps, more than 40 years of Preysing's life and work.

All diaries were digitalized and can be viewed online. Not only the notes by Preysing are interesting (if you speak German and are able to read Suetterlin script), but also how the layouts of the calendars look during those 40-odd years. They also contain information on sun and moon, daily Bible quotes and as bavaria was Catholic, also Saints...
Check the diaries at the Bavarian State Library. Its free. Just click on the year in the left sidebar and browse through the pages.
[the pic above shows the calendars; (c) Bavarian State Library]