John Dryden | |
|---|---|
 Portrait by Godfrey Kneller, c. 1693 | |
| Poet Laureate of England | |
| In office 13 April 1668 – 1688 | |
| Monarchs | Charles II (until 1685) James II |
| Preceded by | Inaugural holder |
| Succeeded by | Thomas Shadwell |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 19 August 1631 Aldwincle, Northamptonshire, England |
| Died | 12 May 1700 (aged 68) London, England |
| Spouse |
Lady Elizabeth Howard
(m. 1663) |
| Children | Charles, John, and Erasmus Henry |
| Alma mater | Westminster School Trinity College, Cambridge |
| Occupation |
|
| Writing career | |
| Language | English |
| Period | 1659–1700 |
| Genre | |
| Subject | Politics and other |
| Literary movement | Classicism |
| Signature | |
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John Dryden (/ˈdraɪdən/; 19 August [O.S. 9 August] 1631 – 12 May [O.S. 1 May] 1700) was an English poet, literary critic, translator, and playwright who in 1668 was appointed England's first Poet Laureate.[1][2]
He is seen as dominating the literary life of Restoration England to such a point that the period came to be known in literary circles as the Age of Dryden. Romantic writer Sir Walter Scott called him "Glorious John".[3]
- ^ William Minto and Margaret Bryant (1911). "Dryden, John". In Chisholm, Hugh (ed.). Encyclopædia Britannica. 8. (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press. pp. 609-613.
- ^ "John Dryden (British author)". Encyclopædia Britannica. Retrieved 13 May 2014.
- ^ Scott, W. Waverley, vol. 12, ch. 14, The Pirate: "I am desirous to hear of your meeting with Dryden". "What, with Glorious John?"