The Works of Shakespeare in 3 Volumes

5RR Shakespeare, illustrated by Sir J. Noel Paton R.S.A. London. Replica of the First Folio of 1623 ca 1865 

Notes

The First Folio is the name given to the first collected edition of William Shakespeare's plays, published in 1623, seven years after his death. Officially titled Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies, this volume was compiled by two of Shakespeare's friends and fellow actors, John Heminges and Henry Condell. The First Folio is significant because it preserved 36 of Shakespeare's plays, many of which had never been published before, and would have been lost to history if not for this compilation. The plays included in the First Folio cover a wide range of genres, such as tragedies, comedies, and histories, and it contains some of his most famous works, like Hamlet, Macbeth, Julius Caesar, and The Tempest.

The printing of the First Folio was a monumental task, involving high-quality paper and intricate typesetting. It was printed by William Jaggard and his son Isaac, and it is believed that around 750 copies were produced, though only about 230 copies are known to have survived to this day. The First Folio was essential in ensuring that Shakespeare's works were preserved for future generations, as many of the original manuscripts were never fully documented. Its publication helped cement Shakespeare’s reputation as one of the greatest playwrights in English history and ensured that his legacy lived on. The First Folio remains one of the most important books in the history of English literature.

Description

Olive green leather binding with recessed oval in the center of the upper and lower boards with gilt embossed designs and lettering within. Five raised bands with gilt embossed lettering and designs in each compartment. Gilt top edge and deckled fore edge and bottom edge. Gilt embossed turn ins and green marbled endpapers. Rubbing to the extremities with bumped corners and upper and lower spine. Very Fine condition overall.