Shakespeare’s Masterpiece ‘First Folio’: A Cultural Milestone

Shakespeare’s Masterpiece ‘First Folio’ Comes to Life: A Moment in World Cultural Heritage

John Heminges and Henry Condell, colleagues of Shakespeare, were responsible for collecting, transcribing, and publishing his known 36 plays. With the help of Edward Blount, a bookseller, they preserved and published previously uncollected plays, resulting in the birth of the “First Folio,” considered one of the most important secular books in Western history.

The Birth of a Literary Milestone: The First Folio Review: The Birth of the Theater’s Bible

The “First Folio,” now 400 years old, is a meticulous collection of Shakespeare’s plays compiled by Heminges and Condell. Prior to its publication, only a small number of Shakespeare’s plays were printed in quarto format, with the majority remaining unpublished. Heminges and Condell relied on manuscripts, scripts, and notes to complete the collection, even comparing Shakespeare’s messy handwriting with the plays to ensure accuracy.

Preserving Shakespeare’s Legacy

“Making Shakespeare: The First Folio” is a review of a presentation exploring the first publication of Shakespeare’s plays, highlighting the dedication of Heminges and Condell in preserving his works after his death in 1616. Their collaboration with Edward Blount played a crucial role in the publication of the “First Folio,” serving as evidence of their dedication and a valuable historical artifact.

Importance and Influence

The “First Folio” holds immense cultural and literary significance, often referred to as the Bible of theater, as it contains all 36 of Shakespeare’s plays. Its publication not only preserved his plays but also provided future generations with the opportunity to access his entire body of work. The publication of the “First Folio” marked a turning point in Western literary history, solidifying Shakespeare’s status as one of the greatest playwrights of all time.

Overall, the “First Folio” is a testament to the dedication, meticulousness, and collaborative efforts of Heminges, Condell, and Blount in preserving and making Shakespeare’s plays accessible. Its impact on the preservation and accessibility of Shakespeare’s works cannot be overstated, making it a valuable contribution to literature and the theater industry.

Source: THE WALL STREET JOURNAL