The works of John Dryden, now first collected in eighteen volumes. Volume 04

This volume presents Dryden’s boldly staged tragedy The Conquest of Granada, a dramatized clash between Moorish warriors and Spanish forces that once thrilled Restoration audiences. At its heart is the larger‑than‑life knight Almanzor, whose single‑handed triumphs echo the chivalric legends that populated the era’s popular romance. The play balances vivid battlefield descriptions with the fervent ideals of honor and love that drive its characters, offering a window into the theatrical imagination of the late 17th century.

Dryden’s language crackles with the rhetorical vigor of a master poet, and his commentary on heroic excess invites listeners to reflect on how notions of individual valor have shifted over time. The blend of historical reference, dramatic flourish, and moral questioning makes the piece a compelling study of heroic mythmaking, while the richly rendered scenes promise an engaging auditory experience for fans of classic drama.