On August 13, 2026 the Folger’s virtual book club returns with a discussion of The Fraud by Zadie Smith. To prepare for the discussion, we have pulled together a list of resources related to the historical context of the novel.
EXPLORE Shakespeare in the Victorian era
- Shakespeare Unlimited, Episode 156: The Victorian Cult of Shakespeare
- Art to enchant: Shakespeare and Victorian illustration
- Actors Ellen Terry, Henry Irving, and Victorian Shakespeare
LEARN about the history of Jamaica and the Caribbean
- Sweet Blood: A Play in Progress
- Shakespeare Unlimited, Episode 35: Shakespeare and the Caribbean
- Collection Connections: ‘Black Cake’ by Charmaine Wilkerson
DISCOVER Charles Dickens’ connection to Shakespeare
- A tale of three playbills: The Lighthouse, The Frozen Deep, and The Merry Wives of Windsor
- “What the Dickens”: How Shakespeare haunts “A Christmas Carol”
We would like to thank the following organization for its generous support of this program
Join us for a future event
Folger Book Club: 'The Fraud' by Zadie Smith
Folger Book Club: 'The Fraud' by Zadie Smith
From acclaimed and bestselling novelist Zadie Smith, this kaleidoscopic work of historical fiction is set against the legal trial that divided Victorian England.
Thu, Aug 13, 2026, 6:30pm
Building Community with the Folger Method
Building Community with the Folger Method
This free professional development session for teachers focuses on building community using the Folger Method.
Wed, Aug 19, 2026, 8pm ET
Folger Book Club: 'Fair Rosaline' by Natasha Solomons
Folger Book Club: 'Fair Rosaline' by Natasha Solomons
Our September selection offers a very different perspective on Shakespeare’s iconic couple, giving voice to Romeo’s forgotten “love,” Rosaline.
Thu, Sep 3, 2026, 6:30pm
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