Rare First Folio collection of Shakespeare's works that has surfaced after 200 years to go on sale for £1.2million

A rare copy of Shakespeare's First Folio which has surfaced after 200 years in a private collection has gone on display ahead of its sale for £1.2 million.

The first collection of the Bard's work was printed in 1623, seven years after the death of one of history's most important and influential writers.

A rare copy of Shakespeare's First Folio (pictured) which has surfaced after 200 years in a private collection has gone on display ahead of its sale for £1.2 million

It is regarded as one of the most important and sought after books in history and contains 36 of his plays.
Had it not been for the First Folio, plays such as Macbeth, The Tempest and Twelfth Night would have been lost forever as they had never previously been printed.

The book was collated by John Heminge and Henry Condell, who were friends of Shakespeare. They edited it and supervised the printing.
This copy, which was previously unrecorded, was bought in 1800 by renowned book collector Sir George Augustus Shuckburgh-Evelyn and has been hidden from public view for more than 200 years.
It is believed to be one of just 40 complete editions of the original 750 print-run which are still in existence.

The important book goes on display today at Christie's in London ahead of its sale on Wednesday, May 25.
It has been given a guide price of £1.2 million - potentially making it one of the most expensive books ever sold.
Christie's is also selling a Second (1632), Third (1664) and Fourth Folio (1695) as part of the special four lot auction which takes place on the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare's death.

Only a very small number of collectors are believed to own the holy grail of all four Folios.
The Second Folio is valued at £250,000, the Third Folio is valued at £400,000 while the Fourth Folio is expected to sell for £20,000.

Had it not been for the First Folio, plays such as Macbeth, The Tempest and Twelfth Night would have been lost forever as they had never previously been printed

This copy, which was previously unrecorded, was bought in 1800 by renowned book collector Sir George Augustus Shuckburgh-Evelyn and has been hidden from public view for more than 200 years

Margaret Ford, International Head of Books & Manuscripts at Christie's, said: 'The universality and timelessness of Shakespeare's insight into human nature continues to engage and enthrall audiences the world over.

'Even four centuries after his death, his plays touch and transform lives and continue to be read and performed from Albania to Zambia.
'It is deeply moving to handle the first printed record of his collected plays and to be reminded of their tremendous impact.

'Especially exhilarating is bringing a newly recorded copy of the First Folio to public attention, and to be able to offer a set of the Four Folios in this important anniversary year.'
The First Folio, a red coloured book considered by many to be the most important literary publication in the English language, is divided into Comedies, Histories and Tragedies.

Ten years ago in 2006, a copy of the First Folio was sold by Sotheby's for £2.8 million.
And three years earlier Sir Paul Getty paid Oxford University £3.5 million for a copy to help fund building repairs and textbooks.



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