ENGLISH LITERATURE (CBSE/UGC NET)

Detailed explanation-1: -The First Folio is the first collected edition of William Shakespeare’s plays, collated and published in 1623, seven years after his death. Folio editions were large and expensive books that were seen as prestige items. Shakespeare wrote around 37 plays, 36 of which are contained in the First Folio.

Detailed explanation-2: -The book was published by a London syndicate headed by Edward Blount and Isaac Jaggard. Isaac’s father William Jaggard printed it at his London printing shop, but he died before the book was completed. Isaac Jaggard took over the shop after his father’s death.

Detailed explanation-3: -It is believed that around 750 copies of the First Folio were printed, of which there are 235 known surviving copies.

Detailed explanation-4: -There are three First Folios in Stratford-upon-Avon, Shakespeare’s place of birth (and death) and home to the Royal Shakespeare Company. Oxford and Cambridge universities each have four in their libraries. At least four aristocratic families still have First Folios in their private libraries, including the Queen.