Shakespeare's First Folio Set for Sale in Abu Dhabi

A significant piece of literary history is making its way to Abu Dhabi, generating considerable excitement among collectors, scholars, and bibliophiles. This notable book is William Shakespeare’s First Folio, published in 1623. Renowned as one of the most valuable works ever printed, it holds numerous plays by Shakespeare that would have otherwise vanished.

The First Folio will be showcased and available for purchase through Peter Harrington, a leading rare book dealer. This extraordinary piece will be featured at the Abu Dhabi Art fair, scheduled from November 19 to 23 at Manarat Al Saadiyat. The asking price for this copy is £4.5 million, highlighting its exceptional rarity—there are only 24 copies of the First Folio still held in private collections worldwide, with most others housed in major libraries and museums.

Notably, no museum or individual collector in the Middle East currently possesses a First Folio. Thus, this event presents a unique opportunity for a collector or cultural institution in the region to acquire a treasure that reaffirms the stature of its collection alongside esteemed libraries like the Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, D.C., and the British Library in London.

Pom Harrington, the owner of Peter Harrington, discussed the enduring fascination with the First Folio, noting the timeless nature of Shakespeare’s works which resonate globally. He emphasized that the First Folio has played a critical role in preserving Shakespeare's impact on the English language, inspiring individuals all over—from Tasmania to Toronto. The fact that a 17th-century book continues to intrigue audiences worldwide is nothing short of remarkable.

The First Folio was printed in London in 1623 by Isaac Jaggard and Edward Blount and represents the first comprehensive collection of Shakespeare's plays in one volume. It comprises 36 plays, and crucially, 18 of these works would have been lost without the First Folio, including iconic titles like Macbeth and The Tempest. Its existence has been instrumental in ensuring that these plays remain part of the global literary canon.

Creating the First Folio was an extensive and meticulous task, spanning nearly two years. Each page was manually set using individual metal type letters, relying on various compositors whose unique styles led to slight variations in each copy. Therefore, every surviving First Folio is regarded as an exclusive treasure.

Even upon its initial release, the First Folio was expensive, costing nearly two months' wages for a skilled worker in the 1600s, thus appealing mainly to the affluent, scholars, or literary enthusiasts. Originally, about 750 copies were printed, but today, only 233 copies are confirmed to remain, making the one coming to Abu Dhabi particularly rare and valuable.

For the Middle East, the introduction of the First Folio signifies a notable cultural event, allowing the region to claim one of the greatest literary works and share it with a diverse audience. Shakespeare’s legacy has influenced English literature for over four centuries, and this book is a vital reason many of his plays are still widely performed.

The presentation of the First Folio in Abu Dhabi serves as a bridge between history, literature, and culture, providing an extraordinary glimpse into a volume that transformed the literary world. For collectors and institutions, this is a unique opportunity that should not be missed.