Originally published in 1973, this is foremost a study of Dryden as a writer, but, the author maintains, his ideas cannot be separated from his art. Dryden’s concern with familiar 17th Century problems – the inadequacy of royalist theory in the face of power politics, the rise of philosophical materialism, make him almost as important to the historian as to the student of English Literature. William Myers’ overall picture of Dryden’s works ranges chronologically from the Restoration to the Glorious Revolution. Each play or poem is judged in its own right and as part of a strikingly honest literary life. Particular emphasis is given to the writings following The Hind and the Panther. Then at last Dryden was able to unite his total mastery of prose and verse both with a fully developed sense of what had happened to English society and with his own unyielding commitment to a traditional political philosophy and a traditional theology.
Originally published in 1973, this is foremost a study of Dryden as a writer, but, the author maintains, his ideas cannot be separated from his art. Dryden’s concern with familiar 17th Century problems make him almost as important to the historian as to the student of English Literature.
Arvustused
Original Review of Dryden:
fills a real need for studentsthis volume is much more than the elementary introduction it pretends to be. Robert D. Hume, The Review of English Studies, Vol 25, No. 99 (1974).
Introduction.
1. The Restoration: Poems 16591667
2. Admiration and
Truth: Drama and Criticism 16601679
3. Fancy and Delight: Comedy and
Criticism 16631672
4. Judgement and Instruction: Poems, Comedy and Satire
16731679
5. The Exclusion Crisis: Poems, Plays and Satires 16791681
6. The
Tory Triumph: Poems 16821686
7. A Catholic Reign: Poems 16851688
8. A
Protestant Revolution: Poems and Plays After 1688
9. Reactions to History:
Translations and Criticism 16811698
10. Nature, Love and War: The Fables and
The Secular Mask
William Myers retired as Professor of English Literature in 2004, having taught for most of his life in the Universities of Nottingham and Leicester, as well as lecturing in half a dozen universities in the United States, His interests and published works extend from Milton to Waugh and reflect his interest in theology, philosophy and science as well as in literature. He was involved in Adult Education throughout his career, and deplores its current decline in the UK. After his retirement he was ordained as a Permanent Deacon in the Catholic Diocese of Nottingham, but is no longer in active ministry..
