which play was omitted from the first folio editors of shakespeare?
Which Play was Omitted from the First Folio Editors of Shakespeare?
The First Folio, officially titled “Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies,” was published in 1623 and is one of the most significant publications in English literature. It was compiled by John Heminges and Henry Condell, two of Shakespeare’s fellow actors, and includes 36 plays. However, there are a few plays that are notably absent from this collection, and one of the most discussed omissions is “Pericles, Prince of Tyre.”
Overview of Pericles, Prince of Tyre
“Pericles, Prince of Tyre” is a Shakespearean play that is generally believed to be a collaboration between Shakespeare and another playwright, possibly George Wilkins. The play consists of adventure, drama, and romance, revolving around the life of the protagonist, Prince Pericles.
Reasons for the Omission
Collaborative Work
One of the primary reasons speculated for the omission of “Pericles” from the First Folio is its collaborative nature. During Shakespeare’s time, it wasn’t uncommon for plays to be co-authored, especially when it came to lesser-known or young playwrights working alongside more established ones.
Licensing and Publication Rights
The printing and publishing of plays involved securing certain licenses and rights. It’s also possible that “Pericles” was excluded due to issues related to these legalities or because another party held the rights to the play’s manuscript at the time the First Folio was compiled.
Popularity and Opinions
“Pericles” might not have been considered among his major works at the time of the compilation. As with other works of art, popularity or the degree of acknowledgment a piece receives can drastically change posthumously. During the period following Shakespeare’s death, it may not have been seen as an essential representation of his oeuvre.
Other Exclusions
In addition to “Pericles,” there are other plays often debated that may have been authored or co-authored by Shakespeare that are not included in the First Folio. These include:
- “The Two Noble Kinsmen”: Believed to be a collaboration between Shakespeare and John Fletcher.
- “Cardenio”: A lost play which some scholars attribute to Shakespeare, written alongside Fletcher.
- “Love’s Labour’s Won”: Known only by name and thought by some to be a sequel or similar to “Love’s Labour’s Lost.”
Why the First Folio Is Important
The First Folio is critical not only because it preserved 18 plays that had never been printed before but also because it provides early texts that have become fundamental resources for the study of Shakespeare’s work. Given that all manuscripts and original copies could easily be lost during the 16th century due to poor archival practices, fires, or frequent renovations, the First Folio is an essential preservation tool that has enabled the continuation of Shakespeare’s literary heritage.
Conclusion
Though “Pericles, Prince of Tyre” was omitted from the First Folio, it, alongside other collaborative or apocryphal works, provides a broader view of Shakespeare’s dramatic repertoire. The reasons behind its exclusion highlight the complex nature of literary publication during that era.
If you have more questions about any of Shakespeare’s plays, their publication, or their historical context, feel free to ask!
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