The Folger’s collection is vast and varied, including printed books; manuscripts; prints, drawings, photographs, paintings, and other works of art; and a wealth of performance history, from playbills to films, recordings, and stage costumes.
In addition to the rare material collection, the Folger holds a collection of over 100,000 monographs, periodicals, and electronic resources published between the 1830s and the present, related to the understanding and interpretation of Shakespeare, his works and impact, and to the early modern world.
History of the Collection
Henry Clay Folger and his wife, Emily Jordan Folger, began amassing the collection of rare books that would become the Folger Shakespeare Library in 1889. They spent decades gathering the world’s largest Shakespeare collection, as well as associated works from Shakespeare’s time. The Library itself opened in 1932, and continues to expand its holdings today.
Printed Books
Manuscripts
Works of Art
Performance History
Caring for Our Collections
Explore some of the scholarly work being done with, in, and around our collections.
'The Personal Librarian,' the Morgan, and the Folger (Part 2)
The second part of our September 2023 conversation with Erica Ciallela and Sara Schliep as part of our discussion of The Personal Librarian.
Engraving the Courtesan: Sex Work and “The Renaissance” in Victorian Books
When is a Hollar not a Hollar? When his name is being used in 19th century depictions of early modern women. Folger Fellow Alicia Meyer looks at sexualization, economic power, and the manipulation of the past.
Visualizing Race Virtually: Exploring the art of Shakespeare
David Sterling Brown writes about the images and ideas presented in his virtual-reality exhibition, which features art from the Folger collection.
Re-Framing the Copy
Folger Fellow Nora Epstein explores the work of the copier Thomas Trevelyon.
'The Personal Librarian,' the Morgan, and the Folger
The first part of our September 2023 conversation with Erica Ciallela and Sara Schliep as part of our discussion of The Personal Librarian.