This document provides biographical and critical information about John Dryden, an English poet, playwright, critic, translator, and writer who lived from 1631 to 1700. It notes that he was born in Aldwincle, England and that his 1668 work "An Essay on Dramatic Poesy" established his reputation as the "Father of English criticism." As both a writer and critic, Dryden wrote criticism to further his own works, with much of his critical analysis found in prefaces. He was a major literary figure of the 17th century and significantly influenced the development of literary criticism.