
Shakespeare folios
Shakespeare folios refer to the collections of William Shakespeare's plays published during his lifetime and shortly after his death. The First Folio, published in 1623, is the most famous, as it gathered 36 of his plays for the first time, preserving many works that might have otherwise been lost. Subsequent editions, known as the Second, Third, and Fourth Folios, followed in the 17th century, each contributing to the preservation and dissemination of Shakespeare's literary legacy. These folios are valuable not only as literary artifacts but also as historical documents in understanding early modern English theater.