Member Article

Stolen Shakespeare to return to Durham

A 17th Century document stolen from Durham University ten years ago will be returning home. The Shakespeare First Folio, a national treasure owned by the University and stolen in 1998, was found in the Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington DC.

Durham Police arrested a man in Washington, Tyne and Wear, two weeks after the book turned up.

The First Folio is essentially priceless, but has been given an estimated value, when in perfect condition, of £15m. It was published in 1623 and is the first collected edition of Shakespeare’s plays. Only between 200 and 300 copies are thought to have survived around the world.

It was one of seven books stolen in December 1998 from the University’s Library on Palace Green. The theft appears to have been undertaken by professionals with long-term international connections in the art world.

Bill Bryson, Chancellor of Durham University and author of an acclaimed book on Shakespeare, said: “This is not only wonderful news for Durham University but for all Shakespeare’s scholars and fans around the world, of which I am most definitely one. Like Shakespeare himself, this book is a national treasure giving a rare and beautiful snapshot of Britain’s incredible literary heritage. I’ll certainly be joining the crowds who will be eagerly welcoming it home.”

Vice-Chancellor of Durham University, Professor Chris Higgins, said: “Staff and the community felt a huge sense of loss when the books were stolen, so you can imagine my excitement and delight when I received the call from the police to say the First Folio had been found. Our security has been very significantly reviewed and enhanced to the highest standards since the theft ten years ago and we are confident the First Folio will be safe when it arrives back in Durham.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .