In commemoration of the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s First Folio, a remarkable collection of rare originals is currently being showcased, while publishers have seized the opportunity to offer collectors editions of Shakespeare’s plays, with one particularly exclusive edition priced at $1,500.
Esteemed scholars estimate that a modest number of approximately 200 to 300 copies have managed to withstand the test of time since the Folio’s initial release in 1623.
This momentous publication, overseen by two close friends and former colleagues of Shakespeare, who had tragically passed away in 1616, ensured the preservation of enduring texts for renowned works such as “Macbeth” and “Twelfth Night,” among other literary masterpieces that have become cornerstones of Western literature.
During Shakespeare’s own lifetime, a significant portion of his oeuvre remained unpublished or only accessible through inexpensive paperback editions.
The significance of the First Folio cannot be overstated, as it stands as a testament to the immense literary legacy left by Shakespeare.
As Gregory Doran, the artistic director emeritus of the Royal Shakespeare Company, eloquently states in the introduction to “The Complete Plays” of Shakespeare, a newly published compilation, “Without the First Folio, we would have lost an entire world of words.”
The significance and enduring legacy of first folios cannot be overstated. These rare and invaluable books, which contain the original plays of William Shakespeare, have captivated scholars and enthusiasts alike for centuries.
In celebration of the 400th anniversary of the publication of the first folio, numerous prestigious institutions around the world have showcased these remarkable works of literature.
From the hallowed halls of the British Museum to the iconic New York Public Library, these exhibitions have provided a unique opportunity for visitors to witness firsthand the brilliance and genius of Shakespeare’s writings.
The global recognition and esteem accorded to these first folios is further exemplified by the undertaking of two major book projects dedicated to commemorating this momentous occasion.
Through meticulous research and scholarly analysis, these publications will shed new light on the historical context and artistic significance of these extraordinary books, ensuring that their impact continues to resonate with future generations.
As we reflect upon the enduring legacy of first folios, it becomes abundantly clear that these works of literature are not merely relics of the past, but rather timeless treasures that continue to inspire and captivate audiences around the world.
The British Library and Rizzoli Books in New York have joined forces in a collaborative endeavor of utmost significance: the creation of the “Shakespeare’s First Folio: 400th Anniversary Facsimile Edition.”
This remarkable edition, encased in an elegant slipcase cover, boasts an impressive 928 pages and features an introductory booklet co-authored by none other than Adrian Edwards, the esteemed head curator of the British Library’s Printed Heritage Collections.
With a price tag of $135, this publication stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Shakespeare and the commitment to preserving his literary masterpieces.
However, the pinnacle of ambition and exclusivity lies in “The Complete Plays,” a limited edition offering from the renowned Folio Society, a London-based employee-owned company renowned for its personalized volumes spanning a wide range of literary works, from the epic “Beowulf” to George R.R. Martin’s captivating “A Song of Ice and Fire” series.
This extraordinary release, presented in a meticulously crafted 3-volume box set, is a collector’s dream, with only 1,000 copies in existence and a lofty list price of $1,500.
In addition to a compelling introduction by Doran, the Folio Society edition features a noteworthy foreword by the esteemed Dame Judi Dench, adding an extra layer of prestige to this already remarkable publication.
Notably, each set is meticulously hand-numbered by the talented illustrator Neil Packer, further enhancing its allure and exclusivity.
The demand for “The Complete Plays” has been nothing short of extraordinary, with over three-quarters of the limited edition sets already sold, according to the publisher.
This overwhelming response serves as a testament to the enduring appeal of Shakespeare’s works and the unwavering dedication of enthusiasts and collectors alike.
As these remarkable editions continue to captivate the literary world, their significance and value will only grow, solidifying their status as cherished artifacts that pay homage to the timeless genius of William Shakespeare.
In today’s fast-paced and ever-changing world, where trends come and go with lightning speed, it is refreshing to hear the perspective of Tom Walker, the publishing director of the esteemed Folio Society.
In an era where everything seems disposable, from fashion to technology, Walker believes that there is still a strong market for fine editions of classic books.
This sentiment resonates deeply with those who appreciate the timeless beauty and enduring value of literature.
While the rise of digital books and e-readers has undoubtedly revolutionized the way we consume written content, there is something irreplaceable about holding a physical book in one’s hands, feeling the weight of its pages, and immersing oneself in the tactile experience of reading.
The Folio Society, with its commitment to producing exquisite editions of classic works, recognizes the inherent worth of these literary treasures and seeks to preserve and celebrate them in a world that often prioritizes convenience and disposability.
By combining meticulous attention to detail, elegant design, and high-quality materials, the Folio Society creates editions that not only pay homage to the literary masterpieces they contain but also serve as cherished objects to be passed down through generations.
In an age where the value of craftsmanship and longevity sometimes gets overshadowed by the allure of the new and the fleeting, the Folio Society’s dedication to producing fine editions of classic books is a testament to the enduring power of literature and the importance of preserving our cultural heritage.
The First Folio, a compilation of William Shakespeare’s plays, was a daring and audacious publication for its time.
During the early 17th century, such publications were typically reserved for learned treatises, hefty genealogical texts, books of religious or historiographical importance, or even works by monarchs.
As noted by Shakespeare scholar Chris Laoutaris, the First Folio was a significant departure from the norm, as it honored a playwright rather than a monarch or scholar.
The only other playwright known to have received such an honor was Ben Jonson, who oversaw the publication of “The Workes of Benjamin Jonson” in 1616.
While the British Museum edition of the First Folio is relatively affordable, the Folio Society’s production is closer to the intended market for the original release.
This underscores the significance of the First Folio as a groundbreaking publication that challenged the conventions of its time and helped to establish Shakespeare’s legacy as one of the greatest playwrights in history.
According to Laoutaris, an associate professor at the Shakespeare Institute in Stratford-On-Avon and author of “Shakespeare’s Book: The Intertwined Lives Behind the First Folio,” the luxurious products contained within the First Folio were only affordable to those with substantial financial resources and ample space to accommodate them.
Upon its release, the First Folio became the most expensive collection of plays ever produced up until that time. Its success led to the publication of subsequent editions, namely the Second Folio in 1632, the Third Folio in 1663, and the fourth in 1685.
As the 19th century approached, the original Folio began to gain recognition as a valuable historical artifact, thanks in part to the efforts of collectors Henry and Emily Folger.
It also became a symbol of power for the British Empire. Sir George Grey, a former colonial governor, established libraries worldwide that included copies of the First Folio.
For Grey, the First Folio represented the epitome of English culture, and he sought to supplant the language and culture of native populations in Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa with English and its literary works.
The United States is home to the majority of existing First Folio copies, followed by the United Kingdom and Japan. Several editions can also be found in Germany, France, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and other countries.
For antiquarians, the First Folio is considered the ultimate prize, with one copy selling for $9.9 million in 2020. However, for scholars and countless admirers, the Folio itself takes a backseat to the enduring popularity of Shakespeare’s plays on the stage.
James Shapiro, a professor of English and comparative literature at Columbia University, explains that Shakespeare’s stature over the past four centuries is a testament to the lasting impact of his comedies, histories, and tragedies in theaters worldwide.
While a Ben Jonson folio can be purchased for a few thousand dollars, a Shakespeare folio commands a price in the millions due to the remarkable afterlife of his plays.