John Dryden (1631–1700) was the monumental literary figure of his time. His works, which span the range of drama, epic poetry, lyric poetry, satire, essay, and translation, serve as a record of the ideas and spirit of the seventeenth century. While the work of some poets reveals intimate personal feelings, Dryden's works concerned issues of public moment, including on occasion the commemoration of public events. Dryden's best works, perhaps, are his satirical verses, including Absolom and Achitophel. Dryden's verse established him as a major literary figure, and his public support for King Charles I contributed to his being named poet laureate in 1668. Dryden wrote prose essays and is widely regarded as the first "modern" prose writer, insofar as he developed a style that was clear, precise, and dignified but at the same time lyrical. In addition to the early and highly regarded Essay of Dramatic Poesy (1668), Dryden wrote criticism that he published as prefaces to his many well-received dramas.

With the Glorious Revolution came the Anglican monarchy, and Dryden lost his post as laureate. Replaced by Thomas Shadwell, whom he had satirized in "Mac Flecknoe" (1682), he wrote a few more plays but took primarily to literary translation and commentary. Written near the end of his life, Fables, Ancient and Modern includes Dryden's translations of Ovid, Boccaccio, and Chaucer.