The Book of William: How Shakespeare’s First Folio Conquered the World. Collins, Paul. Published by Bloomsbury, New York, 2009. First Edition. 8vo up to 9½” tall., 246pp., with suggested readings. Black boards with gilt titles. Volume is in fine, unread condition, in fine dustjacket
Many of the original 750 copies of Shakespeare’s First Folio were gone before the turn of the 18th century. But a hundred years later, the greatest plays in English were rediscovered, revamped, and re-publicized, beginning the long and surprising process that secured the legacy of Shakespeare. Collin’s recounts the book’s remarkable journey, as it lies undiscovered for decades, burns, sinks, is bought and sold, and ultimately, becomes untouchable.
