Publisher's Synopsis
The Age of Dryden by Richard Garnett is a comprehensive study of the literary and cultural history of England during the late 17th century, a period that is often referred to as the ""Age of Dryden"" due to the significant contributions of the poet and playwright John Dryden. The book provides a detailed analysis of the social and political context in which Dryden and his contemporaries lived and worked, as well as an in-depth exploration of their literary achievements.The first section of the book focuses on the historical background of the period, including the Restoration of the monarchy in 1660 and the subsequent reigns of Charles II and James II. Garnett examines the cultural and intellectual climate of the time, discussing the rise of science, philosophy, and religious dissent, as well as the emergence of new literary genres such as the novel and the essay.The second section of the book is devoted to a close reading of Dryden's works, including his poetry, plays, and critical writings. Garnett analyzes Dryden's use of language, his treatment of themes such as politics and religion, and his contributions to literary theory and criticism.The final section of the book explores the wider literary and cultural landscape of the Age of Dryden, including the works of other prominent writers such as Aphra Behn, Samuel Pepys, and John Bunyan. Garnett also discusses the impact of the period on subsequent literary movements, such as the Enlightenment and Romanticism.Overall, The Age of Dryden offers a comprehensive and engaging account of one of the most important periods in English literary history, providing readers with a deeper understanding of the social, political, and cultural forces that shaped the works of John Dryden and his contemporaries.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.
