Almanzor and Almahide, or, The Conquest of Granada by the Spaniards: a Tragedy

1735

de Beer Eb 1735 D

London: Printed for Jacob Tonson

As a poet, literary critic, translator, and playwright, John Dryden (1631-1700) played a dominant literary role in Restoration England. Indeed, the period in which he lived is often styled the Age of Dryden, a phrase familiar to many literary students. Some of the 18th century titles received from Waikato were dis-bound and needed conservation treatment. Others, like this illustrated edition of Almanzor and Almahide, or, The Conquest of Granada (1735), were much sturdier. Dryden’s heroic tragedy was first staged from December 1670 to January 1671 and eventually printed in 1672. ‘Pretty, witty Nell’ Gwyn, Charles II’s mistress, played Almahide.