John Dryden Quotes
A collection of quotes by John Dryden.
John Dryden was a prominent English poet, literary critic, and playwright. He was born on August 19, 1631, in Aldwincle, Northamptonshire, England. Dryden's father died when he was young, and he was educated at Westminster School and Trinity College, Cambridge.
Dryden gained recognition in the late 1660s and early 1670s for his plays, including "The Indian Emperour" (1665) and "The Conquest of Granada" (1670). However, he is best known for his poetry, especially his satirical and dramatic works. His notable poems include "Annus Mirabilis" (1667), which chronicles the year 1666 and the events of the Second Anglo-Dutch War, and "Mac Flecknoe" (1682), a satire targeting a rival poet.
Additionally, Dryden made significant contributions to literary criticism. In his most famous critical work, "An Essay of Dramatick Poesie" (1668), he defended English drama against French influences and advocated for the use of rhyme in plays.
Dryden served as the first official Poet Laureate of England from 1668 until his death. He was also appointed as the Historiographer Royal in 1670, and his works often reflected political and social concerns of his time.
John Dryden died on May 12, 1700, in London, leaving behind a rich legacy of poetry, plays, and critical writing. His influence on English literature and his poetic style continue to be studied and appreciated to this day.
