John Dryden - The State of Innocence: And Fall of Man. An Opera

The life of John Dryden, born in 1631, unfolds against a backdrop of significant historical change in England, transitioning from a republic to a monarchy. A gifted scholar, he rose to prominence as a poet and playwright, beginning with his eulogy for Cromwell and later celebrating the Restoration with royalist verses. His major works, including Annus Mirabilis, solidified his status as the leading literary figure of his time. Dryden's legacy continued with his ambitious translation of Virgil, marking a national milestone before his death in 1700, after which he was reburied in Westminster Abbey.