Verbal Spectacle
The Third Folio, published in 1663 and a variant in 1664, holds a special place among the collected editions of Shakespeare’s works. This historic publication, though less prized than the First Folio, still carries immense value for collectors and scholars alike.
A Testament to Shakespeare's Enduring Popularity
The Third Folio is a testament to the enduring popularity and influence of Shakespeare’s works. It brings together his plays in an authoritative collection after the First and Second Folios, reflecting the ongoing preservation and dissemination of Shakespeare’s work during the Restoration period.
Reflecting the Publishing History of Shakespeare's Plays
The Third Folio captures the 17th-century publishing history and textual transmission of Shakespeare’s plays. It sometimes includes plays and variants not present in the First Folio, enabling deeper textual and historical study.
Rarity and Condition as Key Factors
As with the First Folio, rarity and condition are key factors that contribute to the Third Folio’s value. Very few copies survive, many incomplete due to the books’ age and handling over centuries. Collectors prize "perfect copies" that retain original pages, illustrations, and engravings, especially the famous engravings found in the First Folio.
Cultural and Historical Significance
These books are pivotal in the history of literature and have profoundly influenced English language and drama. The Third Folio, in particular, offers a unique insight into the post-Commonwealth, Restoration England, and the ongoing appreciation of Shakespeare’s works.
The Great Fire of London and the Third Folio
A significant portion of the print run of the Third Folio was lost in the Great Fire of London in 1666, further increasing its rarity.
Modern Editions and Translations
Facsimile editions of Shakespeare’s Folio are available, featuring pages in the best possible condition for a flawless reprint. Translations of Shakespeare’s works, such as those by Hermann Hesse, Thomas Brasch, and Frank Günther, are also available in various formats.
In summary, the Third Folio, though less historically significant than the First Folio, remains a valuable and rare book. Its rarity, condition, cultural and historical significance, and its unique insights into the post-Commonwealth, Restoration England, make it a prized possession for collectors and scholars.
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