Alphabetically arranged entries discuss the lives and works of more than 75 British and American 17th-century writers The 17th century was a time of significant cultural and political change. The era saw the rise of exploration and travel, the growth of the scientific method, and the spread of challenges to conventional religion. Many of these developments took place in England and North America, and literature of the period reflects the intellectual and emotional fervour of the age. This reference work chronicles the lives and works of more than 75 British and American writers of the 17th century. Included are entries on such major canonical authors as Donne, Milton, and Jonson. But the volume also covers the writings of such leading thinkers as Hobbes and Locke, along with the works of such leading European figures as Galileo and Descartes. The volume also profiles a significant number of women writers, including Mary Astell, Aphra Behn, and Anne Killigrew. Each entry is written by an expert contributor and includes a biography, a discussion of major works and themes, a survey of the writer's critical reception, and primary and secondary bibliographies. The volume additionally includes entries on several artists who significantly influenced British and American literary culture. Each entry is written by an expert contributor, and includes a biography, a discussion of major works and themes, a survey of the writer's critical reception, and bibliographies Profiles many women writers Includes entries on political, scientific, and philosophical writers, in addition to literary figures Includes entries on several continental European writers who influenced British and American culture