Tales of Wealth and Literature: The Millionaire And The Bard

The Intriguing Story Behind The Millionaire And The Bard

We all know William Shakespeare as the legendary playwright who gifted the world with timeless masterpieces like "Romeo and Juliet" and "Hamlet." But what if I told you that there's a fascinating tale involving a millionaire and the Bard himself?

The Enigmatic Millionaire

In the late 19th century, James Lenox, a wealthy and eccentric American philanthropist, set out on a mission to assemble the most comprehensive collection of Shakespeare's works ever known to mankind. Lenox dedicated his fortune to acquiring rare editions, manuscripts, and artifacts connected to the revered playwright.

The Millionaire and the Bard: Henry Folger's Obsessive Hunt for Shakespeare's First Folio

by Andrea Mays (Kindle Edition)

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	8111 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	369 pages

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With determination and deep pockets, Lenox formed an awe-inspiring library, incorporating over 30,000 books, including some of the most valuable first editions of Shakespeare's plays. His wealth allowed him to indulge in the pursuit of knowledge and promote the world's literary heritage.

A Curious Connection

While James Lenox's commitment to preserving Shakespeare's legacy is commendable, the incredible story takes a twist when Henry Folger enters the scene. As a young and ambitious millionaire, Folger developed an insatiable passion for all things Shakespeare.

Driven by an intense desire to create a Shakespearean institution, Folger embarked on a quest to surpass Lenox's collection. His epic journey led him across continents, scouring countless bookstores, libraries, and private collections.

A Library Fit for a Bard

Folger succeeded in surpassing Lenox's collection, amassing an impressive 82 copies of Shakespeare's First Folio alone. His relentless dedication culminated in the establishment of the Folger Shakespeare Library, now a renowned haven for scholars, literature enthusiasts, and history buffs alike.

The Folger Library became the destination of choice for those seeking to study and appreciate Shakespeare's genius. It houses original manuscripts, rare books, and a mesmerizing array of Shakespearean artifacts, transporting visitors back in time to Elizabethan England.

A Legacy Preserved

The Millionaire And The Bard serves as a testament to the power of one's passion and the profound impact Shakespeare's works continue to have on society. James Lenox and Henry Folger's dedication and generosity have been instrumental in preserving the Bard's legacy for future generations to cherish.

Their magnificent collections speak volumes about the enduring influence of Shakespeare on literature, theatre, and even our everyday lives. Thanks to their vision, individuals from all walks of life can experience the magic of Shakespeare's words.

Unraveling The Mystique of The Millionaire And The Bard

The extraordinary journey of James Lenox and Henry Folger in amassing and preserving unparalleled collections of Shakespearean works is an awe-inspiring tale of love for literature and dedication to cultural preservation.

Next time you find yourself in the presence of a Shakespearean treasure, remember the remarkable efforts made by two remarkable men who were among the fortunate few to have held the title of The Millionaire And The Bard.

The Millionaire and the Bard: Henry Folger's Obsessive Hunt for Shakespeare's First Folio

by Andrea Mays (Kindle Edition)

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	8111 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	369 pages

FREE

The miraculous and romantic story of Shakespeare’s First Folio, and of the American industrialist whose thrilling pursuit of the book became a lifelong obsession: “Mays’s narrative is so fast-moving, and peppered with such fascinating detail, it almost reads like a thriller” (Entertainment Weekly, Grade: A).

When Shakespeare died in 1616, half of his plays died with him. No one—not even their author—believed that his writings would last. In 1623, seven years after his death, Shakespeare’s business partners, companions, and fellow actors gathered copies of his plays and manuscripts and published thirty-six of them. This massive book, the First Folio, was intended as a memorial to their deceased friend. They could not have known that it would become one of the most important books ever published in the English language.

Over two and a half centuries later, a young man fresh out of law school, Henry Folger, bought a book at auction—a later, 1685 edition Fourth Folio, for $107.50. It was the beginning of an obsession that would consume the rest of his life. Folger rose to be president of Standard Oil, and he used his fortune to create the greatest Shakespeare collection in the world. By the time he died, Folger owned more First Folios than anyone and had founded the Folger Shakespeare Library, where his collection still resides.

In The Millionaire and the Bard, Andrea Mays spins the tale of Shakespeare and of his collector, of the genius whose work we nearly lost, the men who had the foresight to preserve it, and the millionaire who, centuries later, was consumed by his obsession with it. “Effortless in its unadorned storytelling and exacting in its research, this is a page-turning detective story” (Publishers Weekly).