Mr. William Shakespeare's Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies: A Facsimile of the First Folio 1623 by Doug Moston – Photogr

Introduction

Step into the timeless world of the Bard with Mr. William Shakespeare's Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies: A Facsimile of the First Folio 1623, a remarkable hardcover edition that brings the original 1623 First Folio to life for modern readers. Published by Routledge and curated by Doug Moston, this volume is a treasure for every lover of literature, theatre, and history. Whether you are a student, a scholar, or an actor seeking the authentic voice of Shakespeare, this facsimile offers an unparalleled glimpse into the plays as they were first printed, preserving the spelling, punctuation, and layout of the era. It is a must-have for any serious collection, especially for Indian readers who wish to explore the roots of English drama.

Book Overview

This facsimile edition reproduces the complete text of the First Folio, the first collected edition of Shakespeare's plays, published seven years after his death in 1623. It contains 36 plays, including classics like Hamlet, Macbeth, King Lear, The Tempest, and A Midsummer Night's Dream, arranged into comedies, histories, and tragedies. The book faithfully captures the original typeface, page breaks, and even the famous Droeshout engraving of Shakespeare on the title page. Doug Moston's edition includes an insightful introduction that contextualises the Folio's significance, along with a practical acting guide and glossary that help readers navigate the Elizabethan language. This is not a modernised version but a direct window into the 17th-century text, making it an essential resource for authenticity.

Key Highlights

• Complete First Folio Text: All 36 plays reproduced in their original 1623 form, with no modern edits or alterations.
• Historical Authenticity: Includes the original spelling, punctuation, and layout, offering a true-to-era reading experience.
• Acting Guide and Glossary: A unique addition that helps actors and directors interpret the plays using the original stage directions and language.
• Droeshout Portrait: Features the iconic engraving of William Shakespeare from the original Folio.
• High-Quality Hardcover: Durable binding ensures this hefty volume remains a lasting part of your library.

Story Themes

While the book itself is a facsimile, the plays within explore timeless themes that resonate deeply with readers across centuries. Love and jealousy drive comedies like Much Ado About Nothing and As You Like It. Power and ambition fuel the histories, such as Henry V and Richard III, examining leadership and its moral costs. The tragedies delve into fate, betrayal, and human frailty—think of Othello's jealousy, King Lear's blindness, and Macbeth's vaulting ambition. These universal themes of love, death, revenge, and redemption continue to captivate Indian readers, mirroring the rich narrative traditions of our own epics and folklore.

Reader Benefits

Owning this facsimile offers distinct advantages for Indian readers. It allows you to experience Shakespeare without the filter of modern editing, giving you direct access to the playwright's original words. For students of English literature, it is an invaluable study tool for understanding the evolution of the English language and early modern printing. Actors and directors will find the acting guide and glossary indispensable for preparing authentic performances. The hardcover format ensures longevity, making it a perfect gift for book lovers or a centrepiece for your personal library. Plus, reading the plays in their original form deepens your appreciation of the craft, from the rhythm of the lines to the subtle humour of the wordplay.

Who Should Read

• Literature Students: Ideal for college and university courses on Shakespeare, Renaissance drama, or textual studies.
• Actors and Theatre Practitioners: A practical tool for those performing Shakespeare, offering original stage directions and language insights.
• Scholars and Academics: Essential for research into early modern texts, printing history, or Shakespearean authorship.
• Book Collectors: A beautiful, historically significant volume that adds depth to any literary collection.
• General Readers: Anyone curious about Shakespeare's world and wanting to read the plays as they were first published.

About the Author

Doug Moston is a respected Shakespeare scholar and editor known for his work on the First Folio. With a deep passion for preserving the authenticity of Elizabethan drama, Moston has dedicated his career to making original texts accessible to modern audiences. His expertise in theatre history and textual criticism shines through in this facsimile, which includes his thoughtful introduction and practical guide. Moston's efforts ensure that readers can engage with Shakespeare's work in its most unadulterated form, bridging the gap between the 17th century and today.

About the Publisher

Routledge is a world-renowned academic publisher with a strong legacy in the humanities and social sciences. Based in London and with a global reach, Routledge has been publishing high-quality scholarly works since 1836. Their commitment to preserving cultural heritage is evident in this facsimile edition, which combines rigorous academic standards with accessible design. For Indian readers, Routledge's reputation for reliability and excellence makes this book a trusted addition to any library, whether for study or pleasure.

Conclusion

Mr. William Shakespeare's Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies: A Facsimile of the First Folio 1623 is more than a book—it is a piece of literary history. By offering the original text in a robust hardcover edition, Doug Moston and Routledge have created an essential resource for anyone who loves the Bard. Whether you are a student preparing for exams, an actor rehearsing a role, or a collector seeking a rare gem, this volume will enrich your understanding of Shakespeare. Order your copy from Bookshops.in today and hold the magic of the First Folio in your hands.