Why Were Many of Shakespeare's Works Unavailable in His Lifetime?

William Shakespeare's works are celebrated for their enduring influence and extensive availability. However, it is not widely known that many of his plays were not published in his own lifetime. This article explores the reasons behind this phenomenon and delves into how his works were preserved and eventually published posthumously.

Primary Purpose of Shakespeare's Writing

While we know that all of Shakespeare's works were publicly performed during his lifetime, his primary audience was the theatergoing public. His plays were intended to be experienced live, with the immediacy and enchantment of a theatrical performance. This was in stark contrast to the concept of publishing plays for a wider audience, which was not as prevalent during his time.

Limited Access to Text

Unfortunately, if you wanted to read one of Shakespeare's plays, you would typically have no access unless you were fortunate enough to catch a performance. There were no master scripts or extensive copies of the plays at the time. Actors often received only their specific parts, known as 'sides,' containing their lines and cue lines. This made it challenging to acquire complete texts of the plays, even in the theater.

The lack of technology, such as the Internet, and the absence of public libraries and bookstores further compounded the difficulty in obtaining access to comprehensive copies of his plays. It was not until after his death that a concerted effort was made to compile and publish his works.

Preservation and Publication Posthumously

Shortly after Shakespeare's death, his colleagues and fellow actors, John Heminges and Henry Condell, understood the value of his work and decided to preserve it for future generations. They compiled and published his plays in the First Folio in 1623, just seven years after his passing. The First Folio was a monumental endeavor that included many of Shakespeare's most famous plays that had not been published during his lifetime. Without this effort, a significant portion of his work might have been lost.

Owing to their foresight, we are fortunate to have the First Folio, which has been followed by the Second Folio in 1632. These collections ensured that all of Shakespeare's work survived intact and continued to be performed and studied for over four centuries.

Challenges Without Copyright Laws

The lack of a strict copyright system during Shakespeare's time also contributed to the challenge of protecting his work. Since there was no formal mechanism to prevent unauthorized copying and performance of his plays, others were free to stage his works without his permission or recognition. This made it even more imperative for his colleagues to compile and publish his works posthumously to safeguard his legacy.

In conclusion, while Shakespeare's plays were undoubtedly performed during his lifetime, the lack of published forms and the absence of modern technology, coupled with the evolving cultural norms of the time, made it difficult for his works to be widely available in his lifetime. However, thanks to the dedication of his colleagues, much of his timeless literature has endured for posterity.