Book excerpt: This book fills the need for a complete, accurate, and impartial reexamination of Dryden's life and career as poet, dramatist, and man of letters. By examining the numerous autobiographical passages that Dryden inserted in his writings and by interpreting these in the light of Dryden's relationships with persons and contemporary situations, the author disproves some long-accepted explanations of Dryden's conduct. Originally published in 1961. A UNC Press Enduring Edition -- UNC Press Enduring Editions use the latest in digital technology to make available again books from our distinguished backlist that were previously out of print. These editions are published unaltered from the original, and are presented in affordable paperback formats, bringing readers both historical and cultural value.