Elkanah Settle, English poet and playwright (d. 1724)

Elkanah Settle (1 February 1648 – 12 February 1724) was a prominent, albeit often controversial, figure in English literature during the vibrant Restoration and early Georgian periods. His extensive career spanned several decades, establishing him as a prolific poet and playwright who navigated the complex literary and political landscape of his era.

Early Life and Dramatic Success

Born in Dunstable, Bedfordshire, Elkanah Settle embarked on a literary career that initially promised great success. He attended Trinity College, Oxford, though he left without a degree. Settle first gained significant public attention and critical acclaim for his dramatic works, a genre highly popular during the Restoration era. He specialised in heroic plays and tragedies, which often featured grand themes of love, honour, and conquest.

His most notable theatrical triumph was undoubtedly The Empress of Morocco (1673). This tragedy was not only a commercial success, enjoying popular runs and receiving favourable reviews, but it also held the distinction of being the first play by a living author to be printed with elaborate frontispieces and engravings. Its performance at the royal court further cemented Settle's burgeoning reputation, positioning him as a significant new voice and a potential rival to established literary giants of the time.

The Infamous Rivalry with John Dryden

Perhaps the most indelible aspect of Elkanah Settle's legacy is his notorious literary feud with John Dryden, the preeminent Poet Laureate of the age. This highly public and often vitriolic rivalry was fueled by a combination of professional competition, differing literary aesthetics, and political affiliations (Settle was a Whig, Dryden a Tory). Their antagonism escalated dramatically through an exchange of satirical pamphlets and poems.

Dryden famously immortalised Settle in his scathing mock-heroic poem Mac Flecknoe (written circa 1678, published 1682). In this seminal work of English satire, Dryden ruthlessly lampooned Settle as the dull, talentless heir to the kingdom of poetic mediocrity, crowned by the absurd figure of Flecknoe. This masterpiece of literary ridicule profoundly shaped Settle's critical reception for centuries, often overshadowing his actual literary output and contributing to his enduring image as a minor, if not incompetent, writer.

Later Career and the "City Poet" Role

Despite the critical onslaught from Dryden and others, Settle’s career persisted, albeit adapting to new demands and roles. From 1691 until his death, he held the official, if somewhat ceremonial, post of City Poet of London. In this capacity, Settle was responsible for composing numerous panegyrics, celebratory odes, and civic pageants for public occasions, such as mayoral inaugurations and royal visits. These works often celebrated London's governance and commerce, demonstrating his continued relevance in official capacities.

In his twilight years, Settle also became known for writing drolls and farces, short comical plays, primarily for performance at popular public venues like Bartholomew Fair. This adaptation to popular entertainment showcases his pragmatic approach to professional writing, a necessity for many authors in the absence of copyright protections or significant patronage. He also continued to engage in political pamphleteering, reflecting the highly partisan nature of early 18th-century English society.

Legacy and Historical Context

While often remembered primarily through the satirical lens of John Dryden, Elkanah Settle represents more than just a literary foil. He was a working professional writer who successfully navigated the challenging and evolving world of Restoration and early Georgian publishing and theatre. His life and diverse body of work offer valuable insights into the literary commerce, political factionalism, and dramatic conventions of his time, making him an important, if often critically maligned, figure in the history of English literature.

Frequently Asked Questions about Elkanah Settle

Who was Elkanah Settle?

Elkanah Settle (1648–1724) was an English poet and playwright during the Restoration and early Georgian periods, known for his dramatic works and his famous literary rivalry with John Dryden.

What was Elkanah Settle most known for?

Settle is primarily known for his play The Empress of Morocco (1673) and for being the satirical target of John Dryden's mock-heroic poem Mac Flecknoe. He also served as the City Poet of London for over three decades.

What was the significance of the rivalry between Elkanah Settle and John Dryden?

The rivalry between Settle and Dryden was a prominent literary feud of the late 17th century, driven by professional competition and political differences. It led to Dryden's highly influential satire Mac Flecknoe, which significantly shaped Settle's reputation as a minor poet.

What was Elkanah Settle's role as "City Poet"?

As City Poet of London from 1691 until his death, Settle was responsible for composing official verses, panegyrics, and scripts for civic pageants and public ceremonies, celebrating the city's dignitaries and events.