The works of John Dryden, now first collected in eighteen volumes. Volume 09

Step into the bustling world of 17th‑century England through a carefully curated selection of John Dryden’s poetry. This volume gathers his early political verses, heroic stanzas, and vivid historical pieces—ranging from elegies on Oliver Cromwell to the dramatic “Annus Mirabilis” that recounts the great fire of 1666. Readers will also encounter the first part of the celebrated satire “Absalom and Achitophel,” a keen commentary on the era’s power struggles, all presented with thorough explanatory notes that illuminate the language and context.

Beyond the poems, the edition includes a concise biography that traces Dryden’s shifting allegiances as the nation’s fortunes changed, offering insight into the poet’s personal and artistic evolution. The scholarly apparatus—historical, critical, and textual commentary—makes the collection accessible to both newcomers and seasoned lovers of Restoration literature, inviting listeners to hear the rhythm of a poet whose voice helped shape his turbulent age.