Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Hoddesdon, John
HODDESDON, JOHN (fl. 1650), religious writer, published in 1650 ‘Sion and Parnassus, or Epigrams on severall Texts of the Old and New Testament. To which are added A Poem on the Passion, A Hymn on the Resurrection, Ascention, and Feast of Pentecost,’ London, 1650. There is a dedication to the author's uncle, Christopher Hoddesdon, ‘secundary of the upper bench.’ Among those whose commendatory verses are prefixed is ‘J. Dryden of Trin. C.’—the poet Dryden—who credits ‘his friend’ Hoddesdon with first awakening in him an appreciation of poetry. A fine portrait of Hoddesdon at the age of eighteen, with verses by R. M[arsh] subscribed, forms the frontispiece. Granger says that the plate was engraved by Fillian. It is missing in many copies. Hoddesdon's verse is contemptible, but the volume with the portrait and Dryden's contribution is valuable. Hoddesdon also wrote ‘Tho. Mori vita & exitus, or the History of Sir Thomas More … collected out of severall authours,’ dedicated to Christopher Hoddesdon, London, 1652, 8vo.
[Corser's Collectanea; Granger's Biog. Hist.]