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First Folio (Shakespeare, Folger copy)

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description First Folio (Shakespeare, Folger copy) Overview

The First Folio, published in 1623, represents the first gathering of William Shakespeare’s works into a single printed volume. This rare edition, now housed at the Folger Shakespeare Library, contains fifteen plays attributed to Shakespeare and is crucial for understanding his original intentions. Scholars, literary historians, and researchers rely on this foundational text for analysis and interpretation of Shakespearean drama.

help First Folio (Shakespeare, Folger copy) FAQ

How many First Folios does the Folger Shakespeare Library own?

The Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, D.C., holds 82 copies of the 1623 First Folio. This is the largest collection held by any institution.

Does a Folger First Folio contain only 15 Shakespeare plays?

No. The First Folio's contents comprise 36 plays, although individual surviving copies may be incomplete or may contain replacement leaves.

Why does the Folger own so many copies of the same book?

Henry and Emily Folger collected copies because each can preserve different bindings, annotations, repairs, and printing states. Comparing them helps scholars reconstruct how the 1623 book was printed, sold, and read.

Can visitors see a First Folio at the Folger?

The Folger Shakespeare Library displays material from its collection through exhibitions in Washington, D.C. Because the 1623 books are fragile, which copy or pages are visible can change with exhibition and conservation needs.

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