Absalom and Achitophel

Name: Absalom and Achitophel
Author: John Dryden

by John Dryden

Heroic couplet poem on political rebellion couched in biblical allegory and satire

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About the author

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.

More by John Dryden

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