Shakespeare First Folio Journal

The gold-tooled design on this large softcover journal is based on a unique binding attributed to Christian Samuel Kalthoeber, a German bookbinder working in London.  He created the beautiful new cover for a copy of Shakespeare’s First Folio around 1800.  It is now in the collection of the Folger Shakespeare Library.  The Folger Shakespeare Library itself holds 82 copies of the First Folio in their collection, more than one-third of all remaining volumes.  Originally published in 1623, Mr. William Shakespeare’s Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies (or, First Folio) is one of the most valuable books ever printed.

This 7" x 9"  journal with 176 blank pages has a ribbon marker in a coordinating color chosen to complement the cover and has an accordion-style memento pouch.

The binding boards are 100% recycled; the pages are acid-free FSC certified paper. The binding is Smyth sewn, a traditional technique that results in a sturdy yet flexible book.

Originally published in 1623 in London, Mr. William Shakespeare’s Comedies, Histories & Tragedies, known as the First Folio, is a frozen-in-time account of his plays, including typesetting errors and spelling mistakes.  A massive publishing undertaking, it was proofread and corrected while being printed, so different versions of the book contain different errors and corrections.  Prepared by his colleagues John Heminges and Henry Condell seven years after his death, it contains 36 of Shakespeare’s plays printed in folio format.

Today, the First Folio is considered one of the most influential books published.  It is acknowledged as being the only reliable text for the 18 Shakespeare plays that had never been previously printed, including Macbeth, The Tempest and Twelfth Night.  From an original print run of approximately 750, only 235 copies are known to have survived.  Due to its influence and scarcity, the First Folio is one of the most valuable printed books in the world, with one being sold at auction in 2020 for nearly $10 million.

176 blank pages;  Width 7", Height 9", Depth ¾"; Elastic band closure.