The Bard and the Book: How the first folio saved the plays of Shakespeare

If it weren’t for Shakespeare’s First Folio, a collection of plays preserved and published by his friends after he died, we would be bereft of some great stories and language. Thankfully, we don’t have to miss out. But why?

The Bard and the Book: How the first folio saved the plays of Shakespeare by Ann Bausum, illustrated by Marta Sevilla. Peachtree, 2024. 112 pages.

• Reading Level: Middle Grades, ages 10-12
• Recommended For: Ages 10-12

Imagine a world without Shakespeare.

A world without Macbeth, or Hamlet, or Much Ado About Nothing. Imaging a world without Romeo and Juliet. (Okay, I wouldn’t mind that; Romeo and Juliet isn’t my favorite play. Sorry.)

Imagine a world without the language and phrases and insights about human nature than are only less-familiar than the King James Version of the Bible. Whom do we thank for preserving such literary treasures? Those who had worked with Shakespeare during his lifetime, who went to considerable effort after he died to compile his plays (not a common choice for publishing) into the First Folio. What is a folio? It’s the collection of his plays that were bound into a significantly larger book format than we’re used to today. Other plays were added later, but this one is considered authoritative and is a fascination to scholars and fans. Thanks to the friends of Shakespeare, who utilized the printing press (errors in the text and all), the stories endure.

This narrative of the significance of the First Folio is fascinating and witty. If you’re a fan of Shakespeare, look for The Bard and the Book at your local library!

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Recommended Reading at Redeemed Reader

• Book Review: Many of Shakespeare’s plays are not too sophisticated to introduce to children. They may not fully appreciate them until later, but they’ll love memorizing the beautiful language! Here’s a review of How to Teach Your Children Shakespeare.
• Book Review: Did you know that in the same century as Shakespeare’s plays were on stage, Maria Merian’s art was changing science? What an interesting world we live in! Check out The Girl Who Drew Butterflies by Joyce Sidman.

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