The best choices in Shakespeare collections

The Folger Shakespeare Library houses the largest collection of literary sources and other items related to William Shakespeare. Such a monument would surely only exist in England, London or Stratford Upon Avon, the famous Bard House. No. It may surprise most people that this building is in Washington DC, one block from the United States Capitol.

The Folger Shakespeare Library was built by Henry Clay Folger and his wife, Emily Folger, a wealthy New York couple, and not only houses the world's largest collection of printed works by the most famous English writer, William Shakespeare, but is also an important warehouse for at least thirty others Categories of rare artifacts from the 16th to the first half of the 18th centuries in England.

Henry Clay Folger was an American aristocrat who lived between 1857 and 1930. Folger played the role of a petty magnate and at an advanced age became president and later president of Standard Oil of New York. Although he spent frugally, most of the money he made was spent on his Shakespeare collectables. Unlike his brother James, who founded Folger Coffee, Henry's name became almost synonymous with William Shakespeare as he was a passionate and avid collector of everything William Shakespeare had to offer.

Folger spent most of the money he made at Standard Oil collecting "Shakespeareana". Most of the time, I just borrowed something from the store. He paid the lucky booksellers who bid to mediate on the article that Follower had chosen. He generally deserved what he offered. Of course, all of his booksellers liked to do business with this man because he always paid cash.

Folger married Emily Jordan Folger, who also had a real intellectual passion for the famous playwright. From 1885, they began collecting, cataloging and storing the products they bought. Together they collected as much printed material and other related historical documents as possible. After adding the total stock, over 250,000 books, 60,000 manuscripts and over 50,000 maps, prints and engravings were counted. The collection also included a large collection of plays, sculptures, instruments and costumes related to Shakespeare souvenirs and his time. Folger's collection includes 82 rare “First Folios”, the first book to contain all of the bard's 36 complete works. In 1623 only 220 first sheets were printed. Folger owned almost half of it. One example was auctioned off at Sotheby's for $ 5 million in 2006.

In 1932, two years after Henry's death, the library was built and opened to the public. Everyone from school children to the most seasoned academic teacher is always invited to browse the library and study the rare collections of literary material. The ways to find specific information. The library has almost everything to do with the best English writer.

Stratford-upon-Avon is known worldwide as the birthplace of William Shakespeare. The life and legacy of the famous English poet and playwright can be seen in every corner of the small town, and visitors flock to Stratford-upon-Avon not only to see where Shakespeare grew up but to see the legacy and experience to experience literary. The story of Shakespeare. The works always come to life.

Shakespeare's birthplace

Stroll the house where Shakespeare was born and raised and discover the story of Shakespeare's early years. The house has been welcoming visitors for over 250 years and has seen famous writers such as Charles Dickens, John Keats, Walter Scott and Thomas Hardy.

Anne Hathaway's country house

Definitely a romantic setting in which the famous romantic William Shakespeare courted his wife. The house was the childhood home of Anne Hathaway and today welcomes many visitors to the thatched farmhouse and impressive gardens.

Mary Arden's Farm

Here you can discover how a traditional 16th century Tudor farm was run and where Shakespeare's mother Mary Arden lived her early years.

The inner cities

Yes, there is still something to be done besides learning about Shakespeare and Shakespeare gifts. The city center is home to a variety of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options. Head to Sheep Street for independent shops and restaurants, or check out the Farmer's Market on Rother Street.