E. Beatrice Batson Shakespeare Collection

Collection — Container: Henry IV folio (permanent)

Identifier: SC-034

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The E.Beatrice Batson Shakespeare Collection is unique among Shakespeare collections in its focus on the Christian tradition in Shakespeare's works. The Shakespeare Collection attempts to bring together the very best scholarship available on the Christian dimension of Shakespeare's dramas, sonnets, and poems.

The collection has among its holdings a beautiful leather-bound Fourth Folio of Henry IV, Part I and II (London, 1685), two facsimiles of the First Folio (1623), various editions of the dramas, a facsimile copy of the 1602 Geneva version of the Bible (perhaps the major source of Shakespeare’s frequent biblical allusions), and a few promptbooks. Resources also include background materials on Shakespeare’s era, bibliographic guides, and concordances. Among the critical materials are over 1000 books. Scores of professionally produced videos, including videos of the dramas and on the teaching and performing of the plays, are also in the collection.

The majority of the collection resides on the lower level of Buswell Library, and while materials can't be checked out, can be readily referenced. The Shakespeare Collection may be searched in the library catalog as keyword: SC/34

Dates

Other: -

Extent

1700 items

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

The Shakespeare Special Collection attempts to bring together the very best scholarship available on the Christian dimension of Shakespeare’s dramas, sonnets, and poems. Acquiring the best critical works (essays, books, articles, and other materials, both old and contemporary) is a priority. The Collection is intended to serve as a vital center for scholarly activities of professors, students, and Shakespeare enthusiasts, particularly in the area of Christian higher education. It is a place where scholars can do research for articles and books, where professors may become more aware of possibilities for teaching from a Christian perspective, and where any reader may better understand the Christian dimension of Shakespeare’s works.

Other Descriptive Information

The Focus of the Shakespeare Special Collection at Wheaton College is unique among Shakespeare collections in its focus on the Christian tradition in Shakespeare's works. Since the eighteenth century, numerous scholars have done outstanding thinking and writing on ways in which the Christian tradition intersects the language of Shakespeare's writings. Some have examined biblical influences on his works; others have studied large theological and doctrinal concepts embodied in his writings, and others have focused on the Christian implications of his works as well as on specific moral, spiritual, ethical, and aesthetic topics. At present, however, no library has brought together these various works in one collection and in one place. The Shakespeare Special Collection at Wheaton College is undertaking this ongoing and significant project.