John Dryden
England's first Poet Laureate and the dominant literary figure of the Restoration, Dryden excelled in satire, criticism, and translation. Mac Flecknoe and Absalom and Achitophel are masterpieces of political satire; his Essay of Dramatic Poesy founded English literary criticism.
Works
- Absalom and AchitophelHeroic couplet poem on political rebellion couched in biblical allegory and satire
- Mac FlecknoeSatire mocking a mediocre poet's coronation as king of dullards through mock-heroic verse
- Annus MirabilisHistorical poem celebrating England's miraculous year of naval victories and transformation
- Fables Ancient and ModernNarrative poems adapting classical and medieval tales with Restoration wit and energy
- Aeneid (trans.)Heroic couplet translation of Virgil's epic of Aeneas's journey and founding of Rome
- Essay of Dramatic PoesyCritical essay on dramatic composition balancing classical rules with English theatrical tradition
- All for LoveTragedy of Antony and Cleopatra focused on romantic passion destructive to empire
- The Hind and the PantherAllegorical poem debating Anglican moderation against Catholic excess in religious verse