John 1631-1700 Dryden

John Dryden (1631-1700) was an influential English poet, literary critic, translator, and playwright who dominated Restoration England, earning the period the name 'Age of Dryden.'[1][2] Appointed England's first Poet Laureate in 1668 by Charles II, he wrote notable works like *Absalom and Achitophel* and *All for Love*, but lost the position in 1688 after refusing allegiance to William III and Mary II due to his Catholic conversion.[1][2][4] Born in Northamptonshire to a Puritan family, he studied at Cambridge and became a leading figure in poetry and criticism.[2][3]