17th Century AD - Literary History
The 17th century lasts from 1601-1700. In England, William Shakespeare (1564-1616) was still writing during part of the 17th century. Other 17th-century writers include: Sir Thomas Browne (1605-1682), John Donne (1572-1631), Ben Johnson (1572-1637), Lady Mary Wroth (c. 1587-1651), and Robert Herrick (1591-1674). Read more about the 17th century in literature.
The Drama From About 1550 To 1642
Read "The Drama From About 1550 to 1642," from "A History of English Literature."
The Seventeenth Century, 1603-1660. Prose And Poetry
Read "The Seventeenth Century, 1603-1660. Prose And Poetry," from "A History of English Literature
The Restoration, 1660-1700
Read "The Restoration, 1660-1700," from "A History of English Literature."
Notes on the 17th Century
"'Cavalier' implies more than just 'Royalist' (the official term for the troops and forces of the King, and later those who wanted to restore the monarchy). It implies, for instance, a particular class of man: Courtly, well-educated, genteel. In many ways, these are the cultural heirs of Sir Philip Sydney, moving in something like the same circles.