On May 18–21, Firsts: London’s Rare Book Fair took place in London, where rare and antique books, including first editions, were presented. The event, previously held in September, has been moved to May to coincide with the 400th anniversary of the publication of Shakespeare's First Folio. Accordingly, the main theme of the event is “Shakespeare: 400 Years of Influence” (Shakespeare: 400 Years of Influence).
In addition to the First Folio, Jonkers Rare Books exhibited the Third Folio, published in 1663-1664. This edition is much rarer than the previous two, as most of the books were destroyed in the Great Fire of London in 1666. Madagascar, a collection of poetry by William Davenant, William Shakespeare's godson, was also here. Among the works there is a poem "In memory of the master William Shakespeare" (In Remembrance of Master William Shakespeare).
More than a hundred leading dealers from the UK and other countries took part in the fair. Among second-hand rarities worth noting is the first edition of The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien in 1937 (George Allen & Unwin LTD) and Charles Osborne's Illustrated Alphabet published in 1839 (Messrs. Ackerman & Co).
