Shakespeare (Radio Edit)

First Folio

The First Folio, published in November 1623, is a cornerstone in preserving William Shakespeare's legacy. Farah Karim-Cooper explains that before the folio, Shakespeare's plays were available only in single formats known as quartos. The folio, compiled by his friends Hemings and Condal, included 18 plays that might have otherwise been lost, such as "The Tempest" and "Twelfth Night" 1. Without it, our understanding of Shakespeare's work would be vastly different. Greg Jenner emphasizes its importance, noting, "If we didn't have that folio, we'd have half of his plays."

   

Global Reach

Shakespeare's influence extends far beyond his time, with his works resonating across cultures and eras. Farah Karim-Cooper highlights how Shakespeare's plays appeal universally, making him arguably the greatest writer in history 2. Despite this, his works can feel exclusive, raising questions about their accessibility. She reflects on the transformation of Shakespeare's image over time, noting, "At what point in the history of his reception did he become the unassailable beacon of English civility and culture?"

   

Cultural Context

The cultural and political context of Shakespeare's time deeply influenced his works and their reception. Farah Karim-Cooper discusses how Shakespeare's legacy was shaped during a period of English cultural transformation, coinciding with the rise of the British Empire and the slave trade 3. His plays, while celebrated, also contain troubling elements like racism and antisemitism, yet they also advocate for justice and equality 4. She suggests revisiting Shakespeare's words to grapple with these complexities, stating, "We might find troubling things there sometimes, but nothing we can't grapple with if we don't mind a bit of discomfort."