The 17th century witnessed numerous cultural and political changes, and the literature of that period reflects the era's intellectual fervor. This reference includes entries on more than 75 British and American authors of that age, and on some of their influential European contemporaries. The entries are arranged alphabetically and are written by expert contributors. Each includes a biography, a discussion of major works and themes, a survey of the writer's critical reception, and primary and secondary bibliographies. In addition to entries on poets and playwrights, the volume also covers political, scientific, and philosophical writers. It also profiles several artists who significantly influenced British and American literary culture of the period.