Commemorating 400 years: London library showcases first printed Shakespeare

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The City of London Corporation is set to honor the 400th anniversary of the first printed edition of William Shakespeare’s plays by showcasing one of the earliest printed copies of his plays in Guildhall Library. This display is a once-in-a-lifetime chance for Shakespeare aficionados to witness one of the most influential books ever written in the English language.

The book, famously known as the First Folio, is considered one of the most impactful books ever published in the English language. This 1623 publication saved half of Shakespeare’s plays from being lost, including popular works like Macbeth, Twelfth Night, and As You Like It. It is among the 230 First Folio copies that still exist today and one of the 90 that remain complete.

Guildhall Library, which is half-a-mile away from Jaggard’s Print House where the First Folio was printed, will display the book for five hours only on Monday, Apr 24, along with two small original copies of Henry IV Part One and Othello, and a replica copy of the First Folio.

The library, owned by The City of London Corporation, takes pride in owning one of the most pristine copies of the First Folio. Dr. Peter Ross, the principal librarian at the library, said Heminge and Condell’s collection is responsible for preserving half of Shakespeare’s work.

Wendy Hyde, the chair of The City of London Corporation’s Culture, Heritage, and Libraries Committee, praised the library’s ownership of the book, calling the First Folio a truly remarkable book that has been conserved as a valuable heritage asset for the benefit of future generations.

Visitors to the library will have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn about the history of Shakespeare’s collection of plays and view some of his most famous works, including a limited five-hour display of the First Folio, preserved for the benefit of future generations.