The Folger Library in Washington DC, determinedly collecting copies between 18, has no less than 82, a third of all known copies worldwide in the British Isles there are 50. The initial print run was for 750 copies only just under a third of them are known, though every two or three years another will emerge, in various states of disrepair, to the enormous enrichment of its owner. Known as the First Folio, it is the apple of auctioneers’ eyes. The book first appeared in print under the title of Mr William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies in 1623, seven years after the author’s death. T his Sunday, 23 April, St George’s Day, traditionally Shakespeare’s birthday, 12 copies of the exceedingly rare first edition of his plays will go on public view around the country.
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