Did Shakespeare Publish His Own Plays?

One of the most intriguing questions surrounding the works of William Shakespeare is whether he ever published his own plays during his lifetime. The answer is no, and this essay aims to explore the reasons behind this and the significance of the First Folio published posthumously.

The Publishing Practices of Shakespeare's Time

During Shakespeare's era, the practice of printing plays was quite different from today. Plays of the time were often pirated and performed without the author's consent, leading to lack of official publication. Shakespeare, like many of his contemporaries, relied on his patrons and theatrical companies to stage and distribute his works. This was common because authors didn't have a direct say in how their work was published or disseminated.

Ben Jonson: A Unique Case

One of the only playwrights who published his own works during his lifetime was Ben Jonson. He received some scorn for not only publishing his plays but also for titling his collection 'Workes', which was considered presumptuous. Unlike Shakespeare, Jonson had more control over his output and often edited his plays for publication.

Publication After Shakespeare's Death

The first collected works of Shakespeare's plays were collated and published by John Heminge and Henry Condell, his friends and colleagues, after his death. This collection, known as the First Folio, was published in 1623. It included the collected works of Shakespeare, including many plays that had not been printed before, such as Macbeth, All’s Well That Ends Well, and The Tempest.

John Heminge and Henry Condell were both actors in Shakespeare's own theatre troupe, the King's Men. They saw to it that his works were not lost to posterity and ensured that his legacy was preserved. The decision to publish was made to pay respect to the author and to prevent the destruction of his works as had happened to those of other playwrights at the time.

Significance of the First Folio

The First Folio is a pivotal document in Shakespearean studies. Not only did it help to preserve his works, but it also provided a template for future editions, setting standards for textual scholarship that are still upheld today. Without the First Folio, many of Shakespeare's plays would have been lost or altered through unauthorized performances and printings.

Conclusion

William Shakespeare never published his own plays during his lifetime due to the publishing practices of his time. The First Folio, published posthumously by his friends and colleagues, played a crucial role in preserving his works and ensuring his legacy as one of the greatest playwrights in English literature. Although publishing practices may have been different, the importance of author intention and control over one's work remains a significant aspect of modern literary practice.

Keywords: Shakespeare, First Folio, Literary Publishing