John Dryden

John Dryden was an English poet, playwright, and literary critic who was active in the 17th century. He is best known for his poetry, which often explored themes of love, power, and politics. Dryden was also a prominent figure in the literary world, serving as the first Poet Laureate of England. He was a rival of Thomas Shadwell, with whom he had a long-standing feud. Despite his rivalry with Shadwell, Dryden was a respected figure in his time, and his works are still studied by scholars today.