Anti-Achitophel (1682): Three Verse Replies to Absalom and Achitophel by John Dryden: Poetry Guide and Free Edition
Anti-Achitophel (1682): Three Verse Replies to Absalom and Achitophel by John Dryden: author and translator credits, catalogue synopsis, subjects and links to the Gutenberg reading formats.

Anti-Achitophel (1682): Three Verse Replies to Absalom and Achitophel by John Dryden is catalogued by Project Gutenberg with author credits for Pordage, Samuel (1633–?); Settle, Elkanah (1648–1724).
Catalogue synopsis
Project Gutenberg supplies this automated synopsis of the opening text:
"Anti-Achitophel" by Samuel Pordage and Elkanah Settle is a collection of political verse responses written in the late 17th century. The work features three distinct poems that serve as replies to John Dryden's influential poem "Absalom and Achitophel," engaging in the political discourse of the time, notably concerning issues of monarchy, betrayal, and loyalty. Each poem not only addresses the conflict between the Whigs and Tories but also uses allegorical references to biblical stories and characters to illustrate their points. The opening of "Anti-Achitophel" presents a direct invitation to the Tories, the principal audience of the work, to engage in a fair exchange of ideas despite political disagreements. The poem emphasizes the contentious atmosphere following Dryden's initial publication, suggesting that the earlier work's audacity necessitated a retort. Throughout this portion, the author critiques the methods employed by the Tories and highlights the complexity of the political situation, using allusions to biblical figures to draw parallels with contemporary characters and political figures, effectively framing the ongoing struggle in a broader moral and philosophical context.
Book and edition facts
- Title: Anti-Achitophel (1682): Three Verse Replies to Absalom and Achitophel by John Dryden
- Author credits: Pordage, Samuel (1633–?); Settle, Elkanah (1648–1724)
- Catalogue language: English
Catalogue subjects
- Dryden, John, 1631-1700. Absalom and Achitophel
Gutenberg collections
- Category: British Literature
- Category: Poetry
- Category: Politics
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View the complete Gutenberg catalogue record. Project Gutenberg identifies this edition as public domain in the United States; that designation does not establish its copyright status in every country.
Source notes
Catalogue metadata is public domain and is supplied through Gutendex, which imports Gutenberg's machine-readable catalogue. The automated synopsis is source-supplied, not an independently verified review. Author dates above describe the credited people; no ebook release date is presented as the book's original publication date.


