The Bard and the Book by Ann Bausum, illustrated by Marta Sevilla - ADVISABLE

The Bard and the Book: How the First Folio Saved the Plays of William Shakespeare From Oblivion by Ann Bausum, illustrated by Marta Sevilla, 103 pages. NON-FICTION Peachtree, 2024. $20.

Content: G 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

APPEALS TO: SOME 

Shakespeare didn't publish his plays - that wasn't a thing in the 1600's, yet. But after his death, various printings of his works appeared - some better than others. Then, the First Folio was published. A carefully curated and researched collection of his plays. 

Not what I expected but so much better! There's some brief biography of William Shakespeare, but this book is about everything that went into the publication of the folio, including the source gathering, the research and the actual printing - down to the type setting even. I learned so many things I never knew. 

Larger type on the pages and great illustrations make this non-fiction very accessible. I'm showing my copies to my ELA teachers as well as my drama teacher. I'm sure I enjoyed it more than the average middle schooler, but the right kid picking it up will find it a fun read. 

Lisa Librarian