The Brotherton Library acquires King Charles II’s Beaumont and Fletcher Folio

The 1647 folio joins an extensive English Literature collection held by Special Collections.

A very special copy of the Beaumont and Fletcher folio – an anthology of plays published after the release of Ben Jonson’s Works in 1616 and Shakespeare’s First Folio in 1623 – has found a new home within the University Libary’s Special Collections.

The 34 plays in the folio comprise of previously unpublished works from John Fletcher, plus items from collaborator Francis Beaumont. The volume originally belonged to King Charles, and shines a light on the political landscape of the 17th century:

“King Charles II’s 1647 Beaumont and Fletcher folio is the most valuable copy of this iconic collection of plays in existence,” explains Dr José Pérez Díez.

“It is a major research resource that will enable us to share and enjoy the riveting English drama of the seventeenth century with the wider community and scholars around the world.”

Live online event

Dr José Pérez Díez will introduce this landmark book in a free, live event taking place online on Thursday 11 February.

Find out more and register your attendance with Eventbrite.

Read an extended feature on the Folio’s acquisition at The Yorkshire Evening Post.

Find out more about Special Collections at the University of Leeds.