Dryden and the problem of freedom
Subtitle: the republican aftermath, 1649-1680
By: David B. Haley.
Publisher: Yale University Press
Published: 1997
Place of publication: New Haven
Language: eng
Number of pages: 285
Subjects: Dryden, John, 1631-1700 -- Political and social views.; Politics and literature -- Great Britain -- History -- 17th century.; Political poetry, English -- History and criticism.; Republicanism in literature.; Liberty in literature.; Great Britain -- Politics and government -- 1649-1660.; Great Britain -- Politics and government -- 1660-1688.
Description: In this revisionary study of Dryden's thought, David Haley argues that Dryden was the first English poet after Shakespeare to engage in historical reflection upon his own culture. Addressing an audience for whom literature was bound up with religion and politics, Dryden exercised the moral integrity of a public poet and brought home to his readers the meaning of their historical experience.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. 245-275) and index.