Shakespeare's First Folio

Shakespeare's First Folio

Use this resource to explore the University of Leeds Brotherton Collection digital First Folio, to find out more about the significance of the book, and the history of this particular copy.

1.1 The significance of the First Folio: the plays

The significance of the plays in Shakespeare's first folio. Part of an online resource for exploring the first folio edition of Shakespeare's plays, held in the Brotherton Collection in Special Collections at the University of Leeds Library.

1.2 The significance of the First Folio: Shakespeare as literary figure

The significance of Shakespeare as a literary figure. Part of an online resource for exploring the first folio edition of Shakespeare's plays, held in the Brotherton Collection in Special Collections at the University of Leeds Library.

1.3 The First Folio in context: The 'Principall Actors in all these Playes'

The context of the first folio of Shakespeare's plays - the principal actors. Part of an online resource for exploring the first folio edition of Shakespeare's plays, held in the Brotherton Collection in Special Collections at the University of Leeds Library.

1.4 The First Folio in context: the portrait

The context of the first folio of Shakespeare's plays - Shakespeare's portrait. Part of an online resource for exploring the first folio edition of Shakespeare's plays, held in the Brotherton Collection in Special Collections at the University of Leeds Library.

1.5 The First Folio in Context: 'To the great Variety of readers'

The context of the first folio of Shakespeare's plays - the readers. Part of an online resource for exploring the first folio edition of Shakespeare's plays, held in the Brotherton Collection in Special Collections at the University of Leeds Library.

2.1. The condition of the Brotherton First Folio

The condition of the Library's copy of Shakespeare's first folio. Part of an online resource for exploring the first folio edition of Shakespeare's plays, held in the Brotherton Collection in Special Collections at the University of Leeds Library.

2.2 The Brotherton First Folio: the binding

The condition of the binding of the Library's copy of Shakespeare's first folio. Part of an online resource for exploring the first folio edition of Shakespeare's plays, held in the Brotherton Collection in Special Collections at the University of Leeds Library.

2.3 The Brotherton First Folio: the box

The condition of the containing box of the Library's copy of Shakespeare's first folio. Part of an online resource for exploring the first folio edition of Shakespeare's plays, held in the Brotherton Collection in Special Collections at the University of Leeds Library.

Shakespeare First Folio inside front cover showing bookplate

3. Provenance of the Brotherton First Folio

3.1 Lord Brotherton

Read about Lord Brotherton of Wakefield, who purchased Shakespeare's First Folio and donated it to the University of Leeds. Part of an online resource for exploring the first folio edition of Shakespeare's plays, held in the Brotherton Collection in Special Collections at the University of Leeds Library.

Theodore Newton Vail, 1845-1920, bust portrait, facing left]

3.2 Theodore Vail

Read about Theodore Vail, a previous owner of Shakespeare's First Folio now owned by the University of Leeds. Part of an online resource for exploring the first folio edition of Shakespeare's plays, held in the Brotherton Collection in Special Collections at the University of Leeds Library.

4. Digitising the First Folio

Read about the digitisation of Shakespeare's first folio undertaken by the University of Leeds Library. Part of an online resource for exploring the first folio edition of Shakespeare's plays, held in the Brotherton Collection in Special Collections at the University of Leeds Library.

5. Shakespeare's First Folio

View a high-resolution digitised version of Shakespeare's First Folio. Part of an online resource for exploring the first folio edition of Shakespeare's plays, held in the Brotherton Collection in Special Collections at the University of Leeds Library.

Use this resource to explore the University of Leeds Brotherton Collection digital First Folio, and to find out more about the significance of the book, and the history of this particular copy.

Mr. William Shakespeare's 'Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies' is the first published collection of William Shakespeare's plays. It is commonly referred to as the First Folio and is one of the most important books in the history of English Literature.

This resource was made possible with the help of the Footsteps Fund. More than 11,000 donors, mostly former Leeds students, have contributed to the fund, supporting a range of projects, scholarships and opportunities across campus. Their gifts go towards the University's fundraising campaign which is enabling new research, supporting key appointments, developing the cultural life of campus and inspiring young people from less privileged backgrounds to aspire for a place at University.