'A first class, edge-of-your-seat thriller. Fast-paced, flawlessly executed and hugely entertaining, it'll leave you breathless.' Sara Lotz A missing plane. A cabin full of suspects. One woman's quest for the truth.When Atlantic Airlines Flight 702 disappears mid-flight between London and New York, the world is stunned. With the public clamouring for answers, authorities seem at a loss as to how to explain the plane's di...

The best-edited book in the English language is, according to Southey, Wilkin's edition of Sir Thomas Browne. If Sir Walter Scott's "Dryden" cannot challenge this highest position, it certainly deserves the credit of being one of the best-edited books on a great scale in English, save in one particular,—the revision of the text. In reading it long ago, with no other object than to make acquaintance with Dryden; again, more recently and more minutely, for the purpose of a course of lectures...

Mac Flecknoe is a satirical masterpiece by John Dryden, widely regarded as one of the greatest examples of literary mockery in English literature. Written in 1682, this brilliant poem humorously attacks the poet Thomas Shadwell, portraying him as the heir to the throne of dullness. Through sharp wit, clever wordplay, and biting irony, Dryden exposes Shadwell's literary shortcomings while demonstrating his own mastery of satire and poetic technique. The poem combines humor with pointed crit...

All for Love or, the World Well Lost, is a heroic drama by John Dryden written in 1677. Today, it is Dryden's best-known and most performed play. It is a tragedy written in blank verse and is an attempt on Dryden's part to reinvigorate serious drama. It is an acknowledged imitation of Shakespeare’s Antony and Cleopatra, and focuses on the last hours of the lives of its hero and heroine.

In "Discourses on Satire and on Epic Poetry," John Dryden presents a fascinating exploration of two significant literary forms that shaped the 17th-century English literary landscape. This collection emphasizes the interplay between satire and epic poetry, dissecting their structures, artistic merits, and moral implications. Dryden's prose is characterized by its rich rhetorical devices and insightful criticism, situated within the context of Restoration England, where he navigates the com...

In "His Majesties Declaration Defended," John Dryden employs a fierce and eloquent style characteristic of Restoration literature, merging poetic flair with impassioned political discourse. This treatise stands as a vigorous defense of King James II's declaration of indulgence, articulating the monarch's stance on religious tolerance and the complexities of governance. Dryden's mastery of rhetoric is evident as he intricately weaves historical context, contemporary tensions between monarch...

In "Discourses on Satire and on Epic Poetry," John Dryden explores the intricacies of literary criticism through a reflective and genre-defining lens. With his characteristic eloquence and sharp wit, Dryden dissects the elements of satire and epic poetry, examining their aesthetic forms, moral implications, and societal functions. His exploration is set against the backdrop of the Restoration period, during which the balance between art and morality was fiercely debated. Utilizing a blend ...

John Dryden's Absalom and Achitophel, first published in 1681, is a masterful political satire written in heroic couplets, blending poetry, history, and sharp social commentary. Celebrated as one of the greatest examples of Restoration literature, the poem dramatizes the political turmoil of 17th-century England through a biblical allegory, offering readers a vivid exploration of power, ambition, loyalty, and rebellion. The poem draws on the story of King David, his son Absalom, and the sc...

This volume might include prominent works such as "Annus Mirabilis" (1667), a long historical poem recounting the remarkable events of 1666, including the Great Fire of London and the war with the Dutch. Known for its vivid imagery and narrative prowess, this poem exemplifies Dryden’s ability to infuse historical events with poetic grandeur. Other possible works in this volume could include his plays or selected satires, such as "Mac Flecknoe", a satirical poem that skewers Dryden's rival,...

Volume 8 includes some of Dryden’s late works, reflecting his mature style, including plays that showcase his skill in both tragedy and comedy. These dramas typically feature complex characters and themes that grapple with political and moral questions reflective of the Restoration era. His language is richly metaphorical, and his mastery of heroic couplets is evident throughout. In addition to his original works, this volume may also include some of Dryden's translations and adaptations o...

Absalom and Achitophel is a landmark poetic political satire by John Dryden. The poem exists in two parts. The first part, of 1681, is undoubtedly by Dryden. The second part, of 1682, was written by another hand, most likely Nahum Tate, except for a few passages—including attacks on Thomas Shadwell and Elkanah Settle, expressed as Og and Doeg—that Dryden wrote himself. The poem is an allegory that uses the story of the rebellion of Absalom against King David as the basis for discussion of ...

All for Love or, the World Well Lost, is a heroic work of drama by John Dryden written in 1677. Today, it is Dryden's best-known and most performed play. It is a tragedy written in blank verse and is an attempt on Dryden's part to reinvigorate serious drama. It is an acknowledged imitation of Shakespeare’s Antony and Cleopatra, and focuses on the last hours of the lives of its hero and heroine.Combining the unities of classical theater and the style of Shakespearean drama, Dryden ma...