Get a glimpse of one of the most valuable books in existence and hear firsthand about how it was discovered in this one-off talk at London's Institut Français.
The Hidden Gem of Saint-Omer: Shakespeare's First Folio
Rémy Cordonnier, Saint-Omer library archivist, was preparing for an exhibition when he made a momentous discovery: many miles from Stratford-upon-Avon, and over 400 years after it was written, one of Shakespeare's First Folios was found in a French library. The rare antiquarian book had been misclassified, and for centuries was gathering dust on a shelf in the 18th Century literature section. Cordonnier will share his experience of finding the First Folio, and illuminate the mysteries of who it belonged to and how it came to be in the Saint-Omer library. The librarian will be joined in conversation by historian Anthony James West, leading Shakespeare scholar and author of The Shakespeare First Folio, the academic authority on the history of the folio's value.
Shakespeare's First Folio found in France, displayed in England
For the first time since its intriguing voyage to France, the folio will return to England, where it will be displayed in the French Institute library until 26th February. As one of only 230 copies of the first imprint of Shakespeare's plays, this is a landmark find for historians, thespians and bibliophiles. This particular copy of the First Folio is more than an artefact; the scribbled stage directions give an unparalleled insight into Elizabethan performance and authentically Shakespearean staging. Enjoy this opportunity to study the pages and peek into the past!
Shakespeare in performance
To bring the contents of the folio to life, and celebrating the eventual peace between England and France, a pair of accomplished stage actors will perform from Henry V. Actor Jamie Parker, who's due to star in a high profile revival of High Society at the Old Vic, has a rich repertoire of Shakespeare under his belt, including Henry IV and As You Like It, at Shakespeare's Globe. And actress Olivia Ross has already impressed in Dominic Dromgoole's production of Henry V (Globe).
The Hidden Gem of Saint-Omer: Shakespeare's First Folio
Rémy Cordonnier, Saint-Omer library archivist, was preparing for an exhibition when he made a momentous discovery: many miles from Stratford-upon-Avon, and over 400 years after it was written, one of Shakespeare's First Folios was found in a French library. The rare antiquarian book had been misclassified, and for centuries was gathering dust on a shelf in the 18th Century literature section. Cordonnier will share his experience of finding the First Folio, and illuminate the mysteries of who it belonged to and how it came to be in the Saint-Omer library. The librarian will be joined in conversation by historian Anthony James West, leading Shakespeare scholar and author of The Shakespeare First Folio, the academic authority on the history of the folio's value.
Shakespeare's First Folio found in France, displayed in England
For the first time since its intriguing voyage to France, the folio will return to England, where it will be displayed in the French Institute library until 26th February. As one of only 230 copies of the first imprint of Shakespeare's plays, this is a landmark find for historians, thespians and bibliophiles. This particular copy of the First Folio is more than an artefact; the scribbled stage directions give an unparalleled insight into Elizabethan performance and authentically Shakespearean staging. Enjoy this opportunity to study the pages and peek into the past!
Shakespeare in performance
To bring the contents of the folio to life, and celebrating the eventual peace between England and France, a pair of accomplished stage actors will perform from Henry V. Actor Jamie Parker, who's due to star in a high profile revival of High Society at the Old Vic, has a rich repertoire of Shakespeare under his belt, including Henry IV and As You Like It, at Shakespeare's Globe. And actress Olivia Ross has already impressed in Dominic Dromgoole's production of Henry V (Globe).
| What | Shakespeare's First Folio and a new library at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre |
| Where | Institut Français, 17 Queensberry Place , London, SW7 2DT | MAP |
| Nearest tube | South Kensington (underground) |
| When |
On 23 Feb 15, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM |
| Price | £6-£8 |
| Website | Click here to book via the Institut Français |
