Jocoseria

Jocoseria is a collection of short poems by Robert Browning, first published in 1883. Effectively a continuation of the Dramatic Idyls series, the book was not well-received by critics at the time and has continued to be considered one of the poet's least effective collections, aside from the famous prologue to the collection.

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The prologue, which has no official title but is usually referred to by its first line, Wanting is what?, became one of Browning's favourite short lyrics and is a standard fixture in anthologies. Jocoseria - whose title was a "Latin-sounding" creation of Browning's own invention - was released in late 1883, and enjoyed decent sales despite the lack of critical plaudits, to such an extent that Browning's already-completed follow-up Ferishtah's Fancies had to be delayed for nearly a year so as not to crowd it out of the shops.

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Robert Browning: Robert Browning (May 7, 1812 – December 12, 1889) was an English poet and playwright....

1883: 1883 was a common year starting on Monday (see link for calendar)....