The Millionaire And The Bard: A Tale of Shakespeare and John Huntington

Once upon a time, in the early 20th century, there lived a remarkable man named John Huntington. He was a millionaire with a deep passion for literature, and he embarked on an extraordinary quest to acquire the works of the greatest playwright in history - William Shakespeare. This is the captivating story of how Huntington became the owner of one of the world's most extensive collections of Shakespeareana, known today as the "Huntington Library."

A Mazelike Journey

The story begins in the city of Cleveland, Ohio, where John Huntington was born into a wealthy family. As a young man, he demonstrated an exceptional intellect and a fondness for literature, especially the enchanting works of Shakespeare. Huntington spent countless hours reading and studying every play, every sonnet, and every piece of Shakespearean scholarship available at the time.

However, he soon realized that his personal collection was not enough for his insatiable appetite for Shakespearean treasures. His longing to explore the universe of all things Shakespeare led him on a labyrinthine journey of collecting, searching, and acquiring unique and rare items related to the Bard.

The Millionaire and the Bard: Henry Folger's Obsessive Hunt for Shakespeare's First Folio

by Andrea Mays(Kindle Edition)

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	8111 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	369 pages

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A Quest for the Holy Grail

Huntington's love for Shakespeare soon became a full-fledged obsession, and he set out with his unfathomable wealth to create a collection that would rival any other. He scoured bookstores, auction houses, and private collections in search of that coveted Holy Grail of Shakespearean artifacts.

Throughout his quest, Huntington acquired an extraordinary array of items including original folios, quartos, playbills, and even personal letters written by the Bard himself. Each piece held an indescribable value, not just monetarily, but also as a testament to Shakespeare's enduring legacy.

The Birth of the Huntington Library

After years of tireless collecting and amassing an untold wealth of Shakespearean artifacts, John Huntington yearned to share his treasures with the world. He dreamed of creating a library that would serve as a temple for Shakespeare enthusiasts, a place where scholars, researchers, and admirers alike could immerse themselves in the world of the Bard.

In 1919, he fulfilled this dream by establishing the Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens in San Marino, California. The library became the shelter for his remarkable collection, which he generously opened to the public for exploration and study.

A Legacy Preserved

Since its inception, the Huntington Library has grown exponentially, now housing thousands of rare books, manuscripts, and artwork. It contains over 7 million manuscripts, 420,000 rare books, and 1.3 million photographs, making it one of the most significant research libraries in the world.

The collection includes priceless items such as the First Folio, the first complete collected edition of Shakespeare's plays, and original manuscripts of famous plays like "Macbeth" and "Romeo and Juliet." The vast archives of the library also hold valuable scholarly resources, offering a wealth of insights into Shakespeare's life, times, and creative process.

Unmasking the Man Behind the Mask

Beyond the extensive collection, the Huntington Library serves as a gateway to unravel the mysteries surrounding William Shakespeare. Scholars and researchers flock to the library, laboriously analyzing each piece of precious material, striving to uncover new secrets about the life and works of the Bard.

Through painstaking examination of handwritten notes, marginalia, and annotations, these scholars shed light on Shakespeare's creative process, his influences, and the cultural and historical context in which he wrote. The Huntington Library has become a beacon of enlightenment, continuously inspiring new avenues of thought and understanding.

A Destination for the Curious Minds

The Huntington Library is not limited to Shakespearean enthusiasts or researchers alone. It welcomes visitors from all walks of life, enticing them to explore the rich tapestry of human knowledge that spans centuries. Its art galleries house renowned collections, including European paintings, American art, and exquisite decorative arts.

Moreover, the library offers a serene and captivating environment with its beautiful botanical gardens. The grounds boast over 120 acres of meticulously cultivated gardens, featuring stunning displays of plants and flowers from around the world. The blend of intellectual stimulation and natural beauty makes the Huntington Library a truly unparalleled destination.

An Unforgettable Legacy

John Huntington's passion for Shakespeare and his astonishing collection have left an indelible mark on the world. His devotion to preserving and sharing the works of the Bard has fueled the imaginations of countless scholars, researchers, and lovers of literature.

The journey of the millionaire and the Bard is a testament to the power of one man's dedication and the profound impact it can have on future generations. The Huntington Library stands as a lasting tribute to the boundless richness of Shakespeare's legacy and the incredible story of how one man's dreams became a reality.

The Millionaire and the Bard - a tale of passion, obsession, and the enduring magic of Shakespeare's words, now immortalized in the legendary Huntington Library.

The Millionaire and the Bard: Henry Folger's Obsessive Hunt for Shakespeare's First Folio

by Andrea Mays(Kindle Edition)

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	8111 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	369 pages

FREE

The miraculous and romantic story of Shakespeare’s First Folio, and of the American industrialist whose thrilling pursuit of the book became a lifelong obsession: “Mays’s narrative is so fast-moving, and peppered with such fascinating detail, it almost reads like a thriller” (Entertainment Weekly, Grade: A).

When Shakespeare died in 1616, half of his plays died with him. No one—not even their author—believed that his writings would last. In 1623, seven years after his death, Shakespeare’s business partners, companions, and fellow actors gathered copies of his plays and manuscripts and published thirty-six of them. This massive book, the First Folio, was intended as a memorial to their deceased friend. They could not have known that it would become one of the most important books ever published in the English language.

Over two and a half centuries later, a young man fresh out of law school, Henry Folger, bought a book at auction—a later, 1685 edition Fourth Folio, for $107.50. It was the beginning of an obsession that would consume the rest of his life. Folger rose to be president of Standard Oil, and he used his fortune to create the greatest Shakespeare collection in the world. By the time he died, Folger owned more First Folios than anyone and had founded the Folger Shakespeare Library, where his collection still resides.

In The Millionaire and the Bard, Andrea Mays spins the tale of Shakespeare and of his collector, of the genius whose work we nearly lost, the men who had the foresight to preserve it, and the millionaire who, centuries later, was consumed by his obsession with it. “Effortless in its unadorned storytelling and exacting in its research, this is a page-turning detective story” (Publishers Weekly).