Shakespeare's Syndicate: The First Folio, its Publishers, and the Early Modern Book Trade

In 1623, a team of stationers published William Shakespeare's First Folio, which has become the most famous volume in English literary history. Ben Higgins' Shakespeare's Syndicate offers a radical new account of the First Folio by focusing on the four publishing businesses that made the volume. It explores the literariness of the Folio, how stationers have shaped textual, the interpretive potential of the minor Shakespearean bookseller, and the topography of Shakespearean publication. Drawing on fresh primary evidence from a wide range of sources, it illuminates our understanding of how the landmark volume was made and what it has meant to scholars. It also models exciting new ways of working with stationers and reading the event of early modern publication.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 10 March 2022
Publisher: Oxford University Press

In 1623, a remarkable collaboration of stationers brought forth a literary masterpiece that has etched its name in the annals of English literary history: William Shakespeare's First Folio. But who were these publishers, and how do their stories intertwine with the contents of the book they painstakingly created? In his groundbreaking work, Ben Higgins delves into the enigmatic world of the First Folio, shedding light on the four publishing businesses that played a pivotal role in its publication. By meticulously examining the Folio publishers and taking a broader perspective of their significance within the early modern book trade, Higgins offers a fresh and radical interpretation of this iconic volume. Through his exploration, he seeks to unravel the literary significance of the Folio, investigate how stationers have shaped textual production, advocate for the interpretive potential of the lesser-known Shakespearean bookseller, and examine the topography of Shakespearean publication. Drawing upon a wealth of fresh primary evidence sourced from a diverse array of sources, including court records, manuscript letters, bookseller's bills, and the literature itself, Shakespeare's Syndicate unveils the intricate processes and profound implications behind the creation of this landmark volume. Moreover, it presents exciting new approaches to working with stationers and delves into the rich tapestry of early modern publication. This innovative study not only illuminates our understanding of how the First Folio came to be but also demonstrates that, four hundred years after its inception, it continues to yield fresh narratives and insights. It serves as a testament to the enduring power and relevance of Shakespeare's canon, reminding us of the timeless stories that continue to be woven within its pages.

Weight: 686g
Dimension: 240 x 164 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780192848840