Shakespeare’s First Folio — the first book to contain 36 of his plays, 18 of which had not been in print before — was published in 1623.

In the second of her special series marking its 400th anniversary, Professor Suzannah Lipscomb delves into the political and social story behind its printing. It's a story of royal families, foreign affairs, industry, commerce and religion. Suzannah’s guest is Dr. Chris Laoutaris, whose most recent work is Shakespeare's Book: The Intertwined Lives Behind the First Folio.

This episode was edited by Joseph Knight and produced by Rob Weinberg.

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