Shakespeare's first folio
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The first collected edition of many of Shakespeare’s works was published in 1623, and includes 36 of his plays. Around 750 copies were first printed, and it originally sold for £1. Today, it is worth in excess of £2m, making it one of the Library’s most valuable books.
Transcription:
To the Reader.
This Figure, that thou here seest put,
It was for gentle Shakespeare cut;
Wherein the Graver had a strife
with Nature, to out-doo the life:
O, could he but have drawne his wit
As well in brasse, as he hath hit
His face;the Print would then surpass
All, that was ever writ in brasse.
But, since he cannot, Reader, looke
Not on his Picture, but his Booke.
B.J.Mr William Shakespeares comedies, histories, and tragedies.
Published according to the True Original copies.
London. Printed by Isaac Iaggard and Ed. Blount 1623.
[sic]Reference: Comedies, Histories and Tragedies, 1623 (S162.3F)
