The First Folio of Shakespeare

by Peter W.M. Blayney

The Folger Library owns more than a third of the surviving copies of the first collected edition of Shakespeare, printed in 1623. Peter Blayney, a noted expert on the early book trade, draws on this unrivaled collection to tell several stories: how the book was printed and sold; how copies were treated and mistreated by early owners; how it was replaced by an "improved" edition in the 1660s but became a highly prized collector's item a century later; how and why Henry Folger eventually acquired over eighty copies. Published in conjunction with an exhibition, this "catalog" also stands alone as the unusually readable history of a truly remarkable book. Blayney, Peter, 1991.
46 pages, 80 illustrations. Limited edition.

46 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 1991

Reviews

[Randy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This well-illustrated booklet, published by the Folger Library, is a must if you love Shakespeare and/or love old books. Mr. Blayney tells us much about the history - including the techniques - of printing, publishing and selling the First Folio. He explains, for example, why there are different versions of the Folio, and why an apprentice type-setter was probably responsible for so many of the book's mistakes. It is fascinating to see Mr. Blayney's evidence right in front of my eyes.

So for me this booklet is full of surprises, like the fact that most Folios were sold without bindings.

I wish, only, The First Folio of Shakespeare was longer. I want to know even more!