London: Printed for Jacob Tonson, 1709. Early edition. Bound in full polished calf by J. Larkins, rebacked in cloth with much of the leather spine laid down. All edges stained yellow. Marbled end papers. Measuring 190 x 115mm and collating complete with the engraved frontis portrait of Sir John Suckling: [8], 376 (with page 355 misnumbered 335). Ownership signature to front endpaper. Early paper repairs to chips and tears along header of title, not affecting text. Toned throughout, with some pages trimmed tight with no loss to running titles or page numbers. A pleasing copy.

Cambridge educated and born to privilege, Sir John Suckling inherited his father's considerable estates at age 18. "He became a prominent figure at court with a reputation for being the greatest gallant of his time, and the greatest gamester of both bowling and cards; he is credited with inventing the game of cribbage...Suckling was the author of four plays...His reputation as a poet rests on his lyrics, the best of which justifies the description of him as 'natural, easy Suckling.' He inherited from Donne the tradition of the anti-platonic deflation of high flown love sentiments and can be cynically chiding" (Britannica). Contained in this volume is a sampling of his works across genres.

ESTC T99823. (Item #4790)