Widow's Global Quest: Seeking Shakespeare's First Folios

Greg Doran, former artistic director of the Royal Shakespeare Company, has undertaken an extraordinary global pilgrimage following the death of his husband, Antony Sher. The book intertwines Sher's candid "Dying Diaries" from his final six months battling liver cancer with Doran's own quest to locate over 200 existing copies of Shakespeare's First Folio. These diaries reveal Sher's characteristic resilience, wit, and unwavering love, even as he confronted his mortality.

Doran's journey, initiated around the 2023 quatercentenary of the First Folio's publication, began in Britain and extended across North America, Japan, South Africa, and Australia. This "Folio Roadshow" is described by Doran himself as a "massive piece of displacement activity," a way to cope with grief and find a new purpose. He engages with the rich history of each Folio, encountering eccentric collectors and even forgers.

The narrative is deeply personal, with Doran frequently reflecting on Sher throughout his travels. Visits to cathedrals and universities evoke memories of their shared life and Sher's presence. Doran also delves into the history of Shakespearean fraud, highlighting figures like William Henry Ireland and John Payne Collier. His journey culminates with visits to significant collections, including the Folger Library, which houses an astounding 82 copies.

Ultimately, Doran's book transcends mere academic pursuit. It transforms grief over the loss of his partner of 35 years into a hopeful, seemingly impossible quest. The book educates readers on the dissemination and collection of these vital historical volumes while offering a moving testament to love and remembrance.