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The First Folio edition of Shakespeare's plays (1623), considered to be one of the most important books in English literature, will be auctioned as part of Sotheby's London sale of English History and Literature on Thursday, July 13. The book, which is being sold by the Trustees of Dr. William's Library, is estimated to fetch approximately $5 million.

Published seven years after Shakespeare's death, the book contains a total of 36 plays, 18 of which had never previously been printed. In total, about 750 copies of the Folio were printed, but only about a third of them survive, and few are in as almost pristine condition as this one.

The Folio will be on view as part of Sotheby's The Age of Shakespeare: English Books 1536-1640 exhibition, which is currently part of the New York Antiquarian Bookfair (which closes on April 23). The exhibition will also be seen in Los Angeles (May 3-4), Chicago (May 9-10), Hong Kong (the week of May 22) and London (June 8-11).

For more information, visit www.sothebys.com.