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Pericles Folger Shakespeare Library: William Levinson and the Legacy of Research and Preservation

Keith Cox

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Nestled within the heart of Washington, D.C., the Folger Shakespeare Library stands as a beacon of literary scholarship and preservation. Among the library's vast collection of rare books, manuscripts, and special collections, the Pericles Folger Shakespeare Library holds a place of particular significance. This article explores the history of the Pericles Folger Shakespeare Library, highlighting the contributions of William Levinson, a renowned Shakespearean scholar and custodian of the collection.

Pericles (Folger Shakespeare Library)

by William A. Levinson

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
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The Founding of the Pericles Folger Shakespeare Library

The Pericles Folger Shakespeare Library was established in 1930 as part of the Folger Shakespeare Library. Henry Clay Folger, a prominent oil magnate and avid Shakespeare collector, donated his vast collection of Shakespearean materials to the American people. The Pericles Folger Shakespeare Library was created to house Folger's rare and valuable collection, which included first editions, quartos, and folios of Shakespeare's plays and poems.

William Levinson: Custodian of the Collection

William Levinson joined the Folger Shakespeare Library in 1939 as the Curator of Rare Books. He quickly became involved in the development and expansion of the Pericles Folger Shakespeare Library, devoting himself to the preservation and study of the collection. Levinson's expertise in Shakespearean bibliography, textual criticism, and rare book acquisition made him an invaluable asset to the library.

The Significance of the Pericles Folger Shakespeare Library

The Pericles Folger Shakespeare Library houses one of the most comprehensive collections of Shakespearean materials in the world. Its holdings include:

First editions of Shakespeare's plays and poems
Rare quartos and folios
Manuscripts and letters related to Shakespeare and his contemporaries
Early printed editions of plays by other Elizabethan and Jacobean dramatists
Reference books, bibliographies, and critical works on Shakespeare

Levinson's Contributions to Research and Preservation

William Levinson played a pivotal role in shaping the Pericles Folger Shakespeare Library into a world-renowned research center. His contributions included:

Acquiring Rare Materials: Levinson tirelessly sought out and acquired rare and valuable Shakespearean materials, expanding the library's collection significantly.
Developing Reference Tools: Levinson compiled and published several essential reference works, including The Shakespearean Reference Library: A Classified Catalogue of Publications and The Shakespearean Prompt-Books of the Seventeenth Century.
Advancing Textual Criticism: Levinson's expertise in textual criticism led to important discoveries and revisions in the understanding of Shakespeare's plays.
Preservation: Levinson championed the preservation of the collection, implementing conservation measures to protect the rare and delicate materials.

Legacy and Impact

William Levinson's legacy extends far beyond his tenure at the Folger Shakespeare Library. His contributions to Shakespearean research and preservation have left an indelible mark on the field. The Pericles Folger Shakespeare Library continues to be a vibrant center for research and scholarship, inspiring generations of students, scholars, and theater practitioners.

The Pericles Folger Shakespeare Library stands as a testament to the dedication and vision of Henry Clay Folger and William Levinson. Through their efforts, the library has become a global hub for Shakespearean research and the preservation of our literary heritage. Levinson's unwavering commitment to scholarship and preservation has ensured that the Pericles Folger Shakespeare Library will continue to inspire and inform for generations to come.

Image Alt Attribute: William Levinson, the renowned Shakespearean scholar and custodian of the Pericles Folger Shakespeare Library at the Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, D.C.

Pericles (Folger Shakespeare Library)

by William A. Levinson

4.7 out of 5