John Dryden

John Dryden (born August 9 [August 19, New Style], 1631, Aldwinkle, Northamptonshire, England—died May 1 [May 12], 1700, London) English poet, dramatist, and literary critic who so dominated the literary scene of his day that it came to be known as the Age of Dryden. Dryden meant not only the century itself but his own old age. He could only hope that he was on his way to a new life, one free from the strife and disappointment of this life, one appreciative of the celestial strains of his great poetry.

1631 - 1700