Bodleian’s First Folio put online thanks to public

The Bodleian Libraries are marking Shakespeare’s birthday today (23 April) by publishing online the digitized copy of the First Folio, the first collected edition of Shakespeare’s plays.

The Bodleian’s copy of the First Folio is a rarity because it has not been rebound or restored in almost four centuries since it was first received by the library in 1623.

As it is a library copy rather than a book in a private collection, we can see the tastes of early readers by observing where their hands have worn the pages. Romeo and Juliet has extensive wear and tear, whereas King John is in virtually pristine condition.

The Folio can now be viewed for free online, thanks to hundreds of individual donations from around the world received after a public appeal launched in August 2012. £20,000 was raised to digitize the 1,000-page volume - £20 per page.

Supporters of the campaign included actress Vanessa Redgrave, actors Stephen Fry and Tom Hiddleston, Founder of the Royal Shakespeare Company Sir Peter Hall and current Artistic Director Greg Doran, theatre producer Thelma Holt, TLS editor Sir Peter Stothard, and Shakespeare scholar Professor Jonathan Bate from the University of Oxford.

Dr Sarah Thomas, Bodley's Librarian said: 'We are grateful for the numerous gifts which were sent from around the world in support of our efforts to digitise the Bodleian copy of the First Folio. These are a testimony that Shakespeare’s plays transcend cultures and are loved by everyone.

'We hope that by publishing this special volume online , we will be able to continue Bodleian’s mission of making its treasures accessible to scholars and general public alike.'

This online resource is available worldwide and accessible free of charge for anyone – from schoolchildren and scholars, to actors and directors – to enjoy exploring its pages.

Accompanied by articles and blogs from academics, specialists, theatre professionals and members of the public alike, the website will become a dynamic forum to celebrate Shakespeare and prepare for Oxford’s celebrations of the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death in 2016.

The volume left the library in the 1660s and was returned after the exceptional response to a public fundraising campaign to buy it at the turn of the 20th century, showing the strong national affection felt both for Shakespeare and for the Bodleian’s role in protecting and championing our national cultural heritage. The copy can be viewed online free of charge here.

Top image: A page from the First Folio, credit: Bodleian Libraries; Bottom image: £20,000 was raised to digitise the Folio by the University's Sprint for Shakespeare fundraising campaign