John Dryden (1631-1700) is one of the handful of writers who form the first rank of England's literary pantheon. His works are characterized by intellectual daring and vigor, as well as by imaginative splendor and stylistic polish. In addition to his celebrated works, Dryden wrote what is arguably the greatest poem of all times about the Catholic Church-The Hind and the Panther (1687). The result of his conversion to Catholicism, Dryden's poem honors his newfound church as the immortal Bride of the heavenly Bridegroom. Though his longest original poem, it remains the least understood of all his major works.
Ridiculed because of its unprecedented representation of the different churches in England as animals-in particular, for its portrayal of the Catholic and the Anglican Churches as the Hind and the Panther, respectively-the poem was dismissed as a failure. The exact political context also eluded scholars. In this volume, Anne Barbeau Gardiner offers a compelling analysis of Dryden's masterpiece and, for the first time, convincingly argues that his poem was a unified defense of ancient faith and a plea for modern religious freedom.
In Part I of the book, Gardiner reveals the ancient source of Dryden's design: the biblical book that celebrates the love of Yahweh for his Bride Israel, Solomon's Canticle of Canticles. In Part II, she explains how Dryden's poem participated in the campaign to repeal the Test Act against Catholics and Dissenters in England. Gardiner illustrates how the issues of the political-religious debate drive Dryden's poem, and reveals Dryden's call for modern civil rights and freedom of worship.
"Gardiner's reading of Dryden's strangely baffling fable on animal rights (and wrongs) gets it right. . . . It is the timeliest of cases for 'Glorious John.' "-Professor George McFadden, Temple University
Anne Barbeau Gardiner is professor emeritus of English at John Jay College, C.U.N.Y. She is the author of The Intellectual Design of John Dryden's Heroic Plays.
"At last a learned commentary on The Hind and the Panther from Dryden's point of view."-Professor Frank H. Ellis, Smith College
"Gardiner's combination of keen intellect and profound Roman Catholic belief makes her uniquely qualified to interpret The Hind and the Panther. Her reading of Dryden's poem will not soon be superseded."-Professor Emeritus David Vieth, Southern Illinois University
