How did Westminster School influence John Dryden’s knowledge of classical literature?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Poet John Dryden — John Dryden John Dryden, oil painting by Sir Godfrey Kneller, 1693; in the National Portrait Gallery, London.

John Dryden attended Westminster School starting around 1644, where he received a rigorous, predominantly classical education under the guidance of the celebrated headmaster Richard Busby.1

This environment was instrumental in fostering Dryden’s lifelong familiarity with classical literature. The deep knowledge he acquired during his time at the school provided the foundation for his later career, directly enabling him to produce his highly regarded, idiomatic English translations of classical works.1