Auction gem: rare collection of Shakespeare

A bookseller from London is celebrating the 400th anniversary of the publication of Shakespeare's first folio in a very special way. Especially for the occasion, he is auctioning a very rare collection of works by the playwright. 'To buy, or not to buy; that is the question…'

It is exactly 400 years since William Shakespeare's First Folio was published. On the occasion of the anniversary, some of his rare seventeenth-century editions are now up for grabs. 

The First Folios were published by Shakespeare's friends and fellow actors John Heminge and Henry Condell shortly after his death in 1623. Until now, the plays – such as Macbeth, The Twelfth Night and Julius Caesar – had not previously been printed. However, they were never lost due to publication. The collection that will now be sold consists of four folios and a first edition of a collection of poems. They are offered by Peter Harrington, a leading bookseller in London. He calls it a privilege to offer the monumental works for sale. The last time the works appeared as a complete collection was when they were offered by an auction house 20 years ago. 

For almost €10 million you can become the proud owner of this rare piece of theater history. Would you still like to save money? In addition to the whole book, the books are also available separately.