The posthumously published
Fragmenta Aureais described thus on the title page of the first edition: “A Collection of all the Incomparable Peeces, Written by Sir John Suckling. And published by a Friend to perpetuate his memory. Printed by his owne Copies”. There are at least two dubious claims here. The most misleading is the suggestion that this is in any sense a comprehensive gathering of Suckling's work. It contains some 32 poems, 29 letters and three plays (
Aglaura,
The Goblinsand
Brennoralt). In common with most poets of his social class Suckling chose not to publish the body of his work (with the exception of
Aglaura) during his lifetime. The circulation of his poetry in manuscript, most often as part of verse miscellanies containing work by a number of authors, left the canon…
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Citation: Pursglove, Glyn. "Fragmenta Aurea". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 28 October 2000 [https://www.litencyc.com/php/sworks.php?rec=true&UID=5078, accessed 26 November 2024.]