First Folio

Definition

The First Folio is the first collected edition of William Shakespeare's plays, published in 1623. It is considered one of the most important books in English literature, as it contains 36 plays, including 18 that had never been printed before. This collection played a crucial role in preserving Shakespeare's work and shaping his legacy as one of the greatest playwrights in history.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The First Folio was published seven years after Shakespeare's death and was put together by his friends and fellow actors, John Heminges and Henry Condell.
2. It contains a mix of comedies, tragedies, and histories, ensuring that a broad range of Shakespeare's works was preserved for future generations.
3. Only about 750 copies of the First Folio were printed, making it a rare and highly valuable book today; surviving copies are often worth millions at auction.
4. Without the First Folio, many of Shakespeare's plays might have been lost forever, as only a few were published as quartos during his lifetime.
5. The First Folio helped establish Shakespeare's reputation as a literary genius and played a key role in the canonization of his works.

Review Questions

• What was the impact of the First Folio on the preservation of Shakespeare's works?
  • The First Folio had a monumental impact on preserving Shakespeare's works by compiling his plays into a single volume. Before its publication, many plays were available only in quarto editions, with some never printed at all. The First Folio ensured that 18 plays, which would have otherwise been lost, were saved for future audiences, solidifying Shakespeare's legacy as a playwright and securing his place in literary history.
• Analyze how the First Folio influenced perceptions of Shakespeare’s literary status during the 17th century.
  • The publication of the First Folio significantly influenced perceptions of Shakespeare's literary status by presenting him as an esteemed author whose works deserved preservation and respect. The inclusion of plays in this collected volume highlighted their artistic merit and emphasized Shakespeare's role as a leading figure in English literature. The preface by Ben Jonson further elevated Shakespeare’s stature by asserting his greatness, contributing to an evolving understanding of authorship and literary fame during the 17th century.
• Evaluate the broader cultural implications of the First Folio’s publication for English literature and theater.
  • The publication of the First Folio had profound cultural implications for English literature and theater by marking a transition towards valuing literary works as significant cultural artifacts. By collecting and preserving Shakespeare's plays, it laid the groundwork for future generations to study and perform them, fostering an appreciation for literary heritage. This shift not only impacted theatrical practices but also encouraged other writers to seek publication for their works, ultimately influencing the development of English literature and establishing a foundation for modern literary canon formation.

Related terms

Folio: A book format where each page is made from a single sheet of paper folded once, typically resulting in larger pages.

Quarto: A smaller book format that results from folding a sheet of paper twice, producing smaller pages often used for printing individual plays during Shakespeare's time.

Ben Jonson:

A contemporary playwright and poet who wrote the preface for the First Folio, highlighting the significance of Shakespeare's work.