The Faith of John Dryden

The book explores John Dryden's conversion to Roman Catholicism as the result of a lifelong quest influenced by his Puritan upbringing. Atkins examines Dryden's key poems, including "Religio Laici" and "The Hind and the Panther," to highlight his enduring opposition to clergy across various faiths. By analyzing a range of Dryden's works, both popular and obscure, Atkins presents a fresh perspective on Dryden's evolving religious beliefs, ultimately offering a new interpretation of his conversion and its significance in the context of his life and times.