“ For a collector of English literature,
the Shakespeare First Folio, which is the first
collected edition of the plays, is the summit
of any library, however grand. ”

William Rees-Mogg, Editor of the Times (London), 1967-1981

William Shakespeare (1564-1616), playwright and poet, was born in Stratford-upon-Avon, England.
The First Folio, which published many of Shakespeare’s plays for the first time, is considered one of the
world’s most influential books.

Some Facts about the First Folio:

  • The First Folio was published in 1623, seven years after
    Shakespeare’s death.
  • Of the 500 copies printed, it is estimated that only 240
    survive today and of those perhaps 20 are in perfect condition.
  • At the time of publication, a copy of the First Folio would
    have been sold in plain calf binding for £1.
  • Today, copies of the First Folio can fetch up to £3.5 million at
    auction.
  • The First Folio on display was donated to the State Library of
    New South Wales in 1885 by brothers Richard and George
    Tangye from Birmingham.
  • The copy currently on display, on loan from the State Library
    of New South Wales, is the only known First Folio in Australia.
Exhibition
Lloyd Davis Dedication
First Folio
Three Plays
Banners on display
Citations [444KB]
Brochure [576KB]
Shakespeare and the Law: Obligation, Vengeance and the Abuse of Power