Explore
Shakespeare wrote at least 38 plays and over 150 short and long poems, many of which are considered to be the finest ever written in English. His works have been translated into every major living language, and some others besides (the Folger collection include translations in Esperanto and Klingon), and more than 400 years after his death, they continue to be performed around the world.
Find your favorite Shakespeare play
Romeo and Juliet
In Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare creates a violent world, in which two young people fall in love. In this death-filled setting, the movement from love at first sight to the lovers’ final union in death seems almost inevitable. And yet, this play set in an extraordinary world has become the quintessential story of young love.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
In A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Shakespeare stages the workings of love. Theseus and Hippolyta, about to marry, are figures from mythology. In the woods outside Theseus’s Athens, two young men and two young women sort themselves out into couples—but not…
Macbeth
In 1603, James VI of Scotland ascended the English throne, becoming James I of England. London was alive with an interest in all things Scottish, and Shakespeare turned to Scottish history for material. He found a spectacle of violence and stories of traitors…
Learn about William Shakespeare
Shakespeare’s life, his theater, and the publication of his plays and poems
Shakespeare's life
Shakespeare's theater
Publishing Shakespeare
Shakespeare opens a window into topics ranging from the American West, to the real history of Elizabethan street fighting, to interviews with Shakespearean stars. Join us every two weeks for a new “no limits” tour of the connections between Shakespeare, his works, and our world.
Our collection
The Folger Shakespeare Library has the world’s largest collection of materials relating to Shakespeare and his works. This Shakespeare collection encompasses more than 400 years, from the 16th century when he was born, up to the present day. Beyond Shakespeare, the Folger has a world-renowned collection of books, manuscripts, and prints from Renaissance Europe.
What is a First Folio?
The first published collection of Shakespeare’s plays. Without it, half of his plays might have been lost forever.
About the Folger Folios
The Folger has 82 copies of the Shakespeare First Folio of 1623, the largest collection in the world.
Highlights
Henry Fuseli's Macbeth painting
This 1793 painting, known as Macbeth Consulting the Vision of the Armed Head, depicts Macbeth’s second encounter with the witches.
Souvenirs of David Garrick
These images document Shakespearean star David Garrick’s 1753 performance of Romeo and Juliet, from the Folger’s extensive Garrick collection.
Original art for the Hanmer edition of Shakespeare's works
These matched images from Measure for Measure are from a unique copy of the Hanmer edition held at the Folger, in which the original watercolor drawings have been inserted near the corresponding engravings.
Roubiliac’s sculpture of Shakespeare
This 1757 terra-cotta sculpture by Louis François Roubiliac depicts Shakespeare in a pose of creative inspiration.
A binding with Shakespeare miniatures
Each of the painted miniatures on this 1928 Cosway binding represents a famous image, or supposed image, of Shakespeare.
The Final Concord
This 1602 legal document confirmed Shakespeare’s title to the second-largest house in Stratford-upon-Avon, known as New Place.
Shakespeare in print
Shakespeare in performance
Have fun with Shakespeare
Shakespeare for kids
It’s never too early to discover Shakespeare! Help kids to have fun as they connect with Shakespeare’s language and stories, using these resources for Shakespeare beginners.
Shakespeare valentines
Shakespeare's birthday
Find activities and ideas for celebrating Shakespeare’s birthday on April 23: acting out a scene from a play, drawing a picture, cooking a festive meal, and more.
Prattle
Our word game Prattle is based on the popular Wordle, but with a Shakespearean twist! All words in this game are ones that Shakespeare used in his plays, poems, and sonnets, as they appear in The Folger Shakespeare online.