The
First Folio, the first book to collect the Bardâs works in one place, was originally published in 1623, seven years after Shakespeareâs death. The edition, put together by Shakespeareâs friends and fellow actors John Heminges and Henry Condell, included 36 plays, 18 of which had never been published before. It was an instant hit, and nine years later, the
Second Folio was created, as publishers looked to capitalize on the popularity of the first edition. âThe
Second Folio is the most important work in Rienziâs book collection,â says Hernandez.
There are only about 250 surviving editions of the
Second Folio.