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.
Printed Books
Manuscripts
Works of Art
Performance History
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.
Caring for our collections
Related blog posts
Explore some of the scholarly work being done with, in, and around our collections.
Folger Mysteries: October 2024
Spot the difference in this month’s Folger mystery!
Welcome to the Banquet
Fellow Douglas Clark delves into the contents of the previously overlooked manuscript, Thomas Grocer’s Banquet of Sweetmeats.
Race B4 Race 2024 Seminar 1: What We’re Reading and Why
In a continuation of a series, a member of the RaceB4Race Mentorship Network discusses what they’re reading and thinking about in their monthly Reading Group.
Collection Connections: 'Edith Holler' by Edward Carey
We revisit Rachel B. Dankert’s October 2024 presentation as part of our discussion of Edward Carey’s Edith Holler.
Collection Connections: 'Year of Wonders' by Geraldine Brooks
Beatrice Bradley revisits her September 2024 presentation on Year of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks.
