The Poetical Works of John Dryden Value Guide

This 1891 volume represents a significant late-Victorian revision of John Dryden's influential Restoration-era poetry, edited by the Reverend Richard Hooper. Published by George Bell and Sons in London, it serves as a tangible link to the 'Age of Dryden' and the legacy of England's first Poet Laureate.

What Is The Poetical Works of John Dryden Worth?

The typical price range for The Poetical Works of John Dryden is $30 - $50 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• The physical condition of the leather or cloth binding, specifically looking for spine cracking or 'red rot'.
• Presence of original foxing or tanning on the 19th-century paper pages.
• Completeness of the volume, including any frontispiece portraits or internal plates.
• Provenance or previous ownership marks, such as Victorian-era bookplates or signatures.

How to Identify The Poetical Works of John Dryden?

• Verify the publisher's imprint 'George Bell and Sons' and the London location on the title page.
• Check for the specific publication date of 1891 and the attribution to editor Rev. Richard Hooper.
• Confirm the volume number as 'Volume 1' of the collected poetical works series.
• Look for the Aldine Edition branding or similar scholarly series markings common to George Bell publications of this era.

History of The Poetical Works of John Dryden

John Dryden, born in 1631, was a prominent English poet, literary critic, translator, and playwright who was appointed England's first Poet Laureate in 1668. His works significantly influenced English literature during the Restoration period, leading it to be known as the 'Age of Dryden.' This particular edition, published in 1891, is a revised collection of his poetical works, edited by Rev. Richard Hooper.