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First published in 1868 as a doctoral thesis, Dryden's Influence on the Dramatical Literature of England is a literary study written with precision and sharp insight by German scholar Otto Riedel. In this book, Riedel offers an in-depth analysis of the influence of one of the key figures of English literature, John Dryden, particularly on post-Restoration theatre. Rather than focusing on the artistic quality of Dryden's dramatic works, Riedel examines how they were shaped by the political and social climate of the time. He also questions Dryden’s somewhat contradictory theatrical approach, which flirted with French classicism. Centering his critique on the fact that Dryden wrote many of his plays "for the sake of money," Riedel argues that the writer’s real contribution to English theatre lies not in his plays themselves, but in his literary criticism and influence on the language of drama. This book serves as a valuable reference not only for those interested in the history of theatre but also for readers who wish to follow the development of literary criticism. From Dryden’s turbulent career and stylistic choices to the intellectual atmosphere of his time, Riedel presents a wealth of detail with academic rigor and a fluent narrative style.