A copy of William Shakespeare's First Folio has been sold for a record $9.98m (£7.6m) at auction in New York. The collection of 36 plays, published shortly after the playwright’s death, is one of only five complete copies still in private […] Learn More. The last time a complete copy of Shakespeare’s First Folio came to market was in 2001 at Christie’s in New York. It was compiled by friends of the writer after his death. Published in 1623 by the actors John Heminge and Henry Condell, friends of the English playwright, the book is formally titled "Comedies, Histories, and Tragedies," based on the three genres the pair used to categorize the plays. \"Printed by Thomas Cotes for Robert Allot\". A number of other items at Wednesday's sale sold for seven-figure sums -- including a Ming dynasty carpet that went under the hammer for. Cotes also printed an 1835 edition of Pericles, one o… A rare copy of Shakespeare’s First Folio, considered one of most important collections in the English language, was sold for almost $10 million this week, making it the most expensive work of literature to ever be auctioned. It contains 18 works that had not previously appeared in print, and would otherwise have been lost to history, including "Macbeth" and "Twelfth Night.". Half of Shakespeare's 'Henry VIII' was written by another playwright, a new analysis shows, The First Folio is considered among the most important collections of literature in the English language. To commemorate the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare's death in 2016, the Folger Shakespeare Library toured some of its 82 First Folios for display in all 50 … "For the great objects that really matter, the markets for art, literature and photographs have remained very strong," Loewentheil said. Add to Basket. Oriel College, Oxford, raised a conjectured £3.5 million from the sale of its First Folio to Sir Paul Getty in 2003. The Second Folio was published in 1632 following the commercial success of the First Folio. Commenting on the book's condition, Loewentheil -- who was able to inspect it in person, before the coronavirus pandemic shuttered auction houses around the world -- described it as having "integrity.". We carry a rare Second Shakespeare Folio, also known as Mr. William Shakespeare’s Comedies, Histories, and Tragedies. (CNN) — A rare copy of Shakespeare's First Folio sold for almost $10 million Wednesday, becoming the most expensive work of literature ever to appear at auction, according to Christie's. A book of William Shakespeare’s plays just became the most expensive work of literature ever sold. This folio was published in 1623 by the actors John Heminge and Henry Condell, all who were friends of Shakespeare. Assuredly the thing is to be sold. September 4, 2013 . ", Although around 750 copies of the First Folio were produced, just 235 are known to have survived to the present day. By 1630, ownership of the rights to Shakespeare's plays was split among five booksellers/publishers: Robert Allot, William Aspley, John Smethwick, Richard Hawkins, and Richard Meighen. The copy coming up for sale will be displayed on tour, starting next week in London, before heading to New York, Hong Kong and Beijing. Shakespeare's First Folio Tragedies Print Set, Set of 4 Book Wall Art, William Shakespeare Fine Art Print, Literary Posters Home Decor Bibliotography 5 out of 5 stars (295) $ 92.43. Each of the print runs included personalized title page inscriptions, i.e. A copy of the book on display, prior to Wednesday's auction, at Christie's in London. William Shakespeare’s "First Folio" Expected to Fetch $6 Million USD at Christie's Auction: The 1623 book contains 36 plays by the English playwright. Shakespeare's Original First Folio Sells For Almost $10 Million The playwright's first printed collection of plays, published in 1623, sold at a Christie's auction in … To enable Verizon Media and our partners to process your personal data select 'I agree', or select 'Manage settings' for more information and to manage your choices. Can online shows help save the theater industry? £2,250.00. William Shakespeare’s First Folio has been sold for 9.98 million dollars (£7.66 million) at auction. The collection of 36 plays, published shortly after the playwright's death, is one of only five complete copies still in private hands, the auction house said. Jack Grove. [ad_1] Written by Oscar Holland, CNN A rare copy of Shakespeare’s First Folio sold for almost $10 million Wednesday, becoming the most expensive work of literature ever to appear at auction, according to Christie’s. The price paid for the work, widely known as the First Folio exceeded by far the estimated range of … Add to Wish List Add to Compare. A copy of the first collection of plays by William Shakespeare was sold Wednesday for $9.97 million at auction in New York, setting a new record for a work of literature. Believing that the copies in private hands might "never to come to market again," Loewentheil said that there may not be "too many more chances left" to obtain a copy. "And that's somewhat subjective, which is why I was very glad to see the book myself. A complete First Folio of Shakespeare’s plays is to be auctioned for the first time in nearly 20 years, with an estimated value of $4m to $6m. Reserve. The version sold on Wednesday was the first complete copy to appear at auction since one. If I were wagering, I’d take the over. The Allot copies remain the most common. Rare copy of Shakespeare's First Folio sells for record $10M. "That is to say: Although it's had minor repairs over the years, there's a feeling that you get from the book ... as to whether it has integrity as an object," he explained. When it was published in 1968, The Norton Facsimile set a new standard for scholarly accuracy. Shakespeare lots at Christie’s This First Folio is estimated to sell for four to six million dollars ( US ), but auctions of such rare items are rarely predictable. ", "(The First Folio) is the greatest work in the English language, certainly the greatest work of theater, so it's something that anyone who loves intellectualism has to consider a divine object," said Loewentheil, who owns, Shakespeare home in London, where he wrote 'Romeo and Juliet,' found by historian, In a press statement, head of books and manuscripts at Christie's, Margaret Ford, said it was "befitting" that Shakespeare's work now holds the auction world record "given its tremendous significance and influence around the globe. 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