Shakespeare's first editions could break records at auction
- A unique set of Shakespeare's first four editions is set for auction on May 23, 2025, with a projected sale price between 3.5 and 4.5 million pounds.
- The First Folio, published in 1623, is considered pivotal in preserving Shakespeare’s plays, as many would have been lost without it.
- This auction highlights the lasting significance of Shakespeare's work and the increasing market interest in rare literary editions.
In London, a collection of the first four editions of William Shakespeare's collected works is poised for auction on May 23. Sotheby's auction house announced this significant event on April 23, 2025, coinciding with Shakespeare's 461st birthday. This upcoming auction marks the first time in over three decades that a complete set, including the First, Second, Third, and Fourth Folios, is available as a single lot. Auction estimates place the value between 3.5 million and 4.5 million pounds, reflecting the increasing interest and potential market value of Shakespearean literature. After Shakespeare's death in 1616, his plays were compiled into a single volume by his contemporaries John Heminges and Henry Condell, notable figures associated with Shakespeare's acting troupe, the King's Men. The First Folio, released in 1623, is particularly significant as it introduced 36 plays, many of which might have been lost without this compilation. Now only around 230 copies of the original First Folio remain, most preserved in museums, libraries, or universities. One such rare First Folio sold for nearly $10 million at auction in 2020, illustrating the remarkable worth of these historical documents. In addition to the First Folio, the Second Folio followed in 1632, with subsequent editions released in 1663 and 1685. Though the First Folio is the most esteemed for its historical relevance, the Third Folio is noted as the rarest, due to a significant number of copies destroyed in the Great Fire of London. The Third Folio includes seven additional plays, with only one genuinely attributed to Shakespeare, raising awareness of the challenges in distinguishing authentic works within the Shakespearean canon. The upcoming auction represents more than just a sale; it is an opportunity to appreciate the profound impact of Shakespeare's contributions to English literature. The anticipation surrounding this auction underscores the ongoing interest in Shakespeare's works and their growing value among collectors and scholars. As literary history continues to evolve, events such as this encourage further inquiry into the legacy and influence of one of the greatest playwrights of all time.