Why the First Folio Matters: Shakespeare and Legacy

Join Dr Eve Houghton (2024) for a fascinating online talk exploring one of the most celebrated books in literary history: the First Folio. Published in 1623, this landmark volume brought together the collected plays of William Shakespeare for the first time, preserving many works that might otherwise have been lost.

In 2023, the First Folio marked its 400th anniversary with a global programme of exhibitions, lectures, and events. But what explains its enduring appeal four centuries on? Why does this book continue to captivate scholars, collectors, and the wider public alike? And how has it achieved such remarkable financial value, even though it is not, strictly speaking, exceptionally rare?

In this talk, Dr Houghton will explore the cultural, historical and material significance of the First Folio, shedding light on the factors that have shaped its reputation over time. Drawing on case studies of other early editions of Shakespeare’s works, she will place the Folio within a broader context of book history, literary heritage and collecting.

To register, please use the booking form below.