Resources

Shakespeare resources and further information

This section of our website aims to provide you with supporting information and resources about the Shakespeare Metamorphosis exhibition.

Research guide
The aim of this research guide is to introduce you to the range of material held at Senate House Library that relates to Shakespeare, primarily focused on editions of his work. To locate specific titles, you will need to search our catalogue.

Shakespearean sources
Early editions of works which inspired Shakespeare’s plays and poems

Shakespearean biographies
19th- and 20th-century biographies of Shakespeare, factual and fictional

In this year:
London imprints from the same year as the Shakespeare folios

Folio facsimiles
Facsimiles of Shakespeare’s first four folios held at Senate House Library

17th-century editions
Seventeenth-century editions of Shakespeare at Senate House Library

18th-century editions
Eighteenth-century editions of Shakespeare at Senate House Library

Fine editions of Shakespeare’s works
Private press books and limited editions of Shakespeare.

Anniversary editions
A selective list, noting anniversary volumes and pamphlets in the care of Senate House Library

Other useful links

We’ve selected a few useful links to institutions that also hold rich material relating to Shakespeare’s life, works and associated scholarship.

Many organisations in London with Shakespearean connections are holding commemorative events in 2016. Full details can be found on the Shakespeare 400 website, coordinated by the London Shakespeare Centre www.shakespeare400.org. However, there are some key organisations that you might want to visit first.

  • www.kcl.ac.uk/artshums/centres/lsc/index.aspx - the London Shakespeare Centre promotes scholarship and learning in the Capital.
  • www.shakespearesglobe.com - the website of the Globe theatre on the South Bank of the Thames, London, listing performances and other events.
  • www.nationalarchives.gov.uk - the National Archives holds many records relating to the life of Shakespeare.
  • www.bl.uk - the British Library will be running a major exhibition about key Shakespearean performances over the last four centuries.
  • www.museumoflondon.org.uk - the Museum of London holds material relating to Shakespeare’s life in London, and will be running events and a supporting display.

There are a range of organisations outside London with strong Shakespearean holdings. Here are a few:

  • www.folger.edu - based in Washington DC, the Folger Library holds the world’s largest collection of Shakespearean material.
  • www.shakespearedocumented.org - an online exhibition of Shakespeare content from around the world, curated by the Folger Library.
  • www.shakespeare.org.uk/home.html - located in Stratford upon Avon, with a visitor centre and museum, library and archives for researchers.
  • www.shakespearelives.org - a British Council resource to help you learn more about Shakespeare from a global perspective.