The Dramatic Works of John Dryden, Volume 1: With a Life of the Author

"The Dramatic Works of John Dryden, Volume 1" by Walter Scott is a scholarly collection of plays and poems by the renowned English poet and playwright John Dryden, produced in the late 19th century. This comprehensive edition not only compiles many of Dryden's significant works but also includes a detailed biography by Scott, illuminating the author's life, his influences, and the historical context in which he wrote. The collection covers Dryden's prolific output during a period marked by literary evolution in England, especially post-Restoration. At the start of this edition, the editor George Saintsbury outlines the goals of re-editing Scotts' original work while respecting its integrity. The opening sections delve into Dryden's biography, reflecting on the state of English poetry before and during his life, touching upon the influences of his Puritan upbringing, education, and early writings. Saintsbury emphasizes Dryden's prominence among contemporaries and his role in shaping English literature, particularly through his engagement with the theatre and political commentary. The narrative introduces readers to Dryden's literary journey, against the backdrop of changing tastes and forms in English poetry.