Annus mirabilis: the year of wonders 1666: an historical poem

Poets as well as authors were inspired to write about the Great Fire of London. Published in 1667, John Dryden's 'Year of Wonders' is about the events of 1666. In it Dryden (1631-1700) tackles the Second Dutch War and the Great Fire of London, devoting many verses to the horror of the flames. The end of the poem is upbeat, saying of London 'She shakes the rubbish from her mounting brow' and 'New deifi'd she from her fires does rise: Her widening streets on new foundations trust.'

Dryden was a poet, playwright and author. A year after publishing 'Year of Wonders', Dryden, who had written about Charles II and his brother James in a very heroic light, was appointed poet laureate. Though often criticised throughout his career, Dryden wrote many successful plays, such as 'Marriage a la Mode' and 'All for Love'.