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11/07/2008
Shakespeare 'National Treasure' Back In Safe Hands
A man has been arrested for the theft of a "priceless" edition of Shakespeare's works.
Printed in 1623, the First Folio edition was among a number of books and manuscripts taken from the Durham University Library in December 1998.
It is believed there are only between 200 and 300 copies of the book world-wide.
Police say the arrested man, aged 51, asked library staff at the Folger Shakespeare Library Washington DC, in the US, to value the work.
The man, who has not been identified, is being questioned at Durham City police station.
A police spokesman said a man, who claimed to be an international businessman, had acquired the volume in Cuba, showed it to staff and then asked them to verify it as genuine.
Library staff then realised, when the man agreed to leave the book with them, that it was stolen.
A spokesman for Durham University said staff are delighted to have the book recovered.
Bill Bryson, chancellor of Durham University said: "This is not only wonderful news for Durham University but for all Shakespeare's scholars and fans around the world".
Mr Bryson added that the book is a "national treasure" giving a snapshot of Britain's "incredible literary heritage".
The literary work has been described by experts as "the most important book in the English language".
The man was arrested on Thursday at an address in Wigeon Close, Washington, Tyne and Wear.
It is understood the British Embassy in the US alerted Durham Police to the find two weeks ago.
In a police raid, a handwritten manuscript of an English translation of the New Testament from the 14th Century was also recovered.
A book by 10th Century scholar Aelfric was also found.
It is understood the stolen items were part of an exhibit of 50 examples of English literature dating from the Middle Ages to the 20th Century.
University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Chris Higgins, says that "security has been very significantly reviewed and enhanced to the highest standards".
It is understood that the Durham Police are working with the FBI in the US.
The Shakespeare folio is being held at the Washington library.
(DS/KMcA)
Printed in 1623, the First Folio edition was among a number of books and manuscripts taken from the Durham University Library in December 1998.
It is believed there are only between 200 and 300 copies of the book world-wide.
Police say the arrested man, aged 51, asked library staff at the Folger Shakespeare Library Washington DC, in the US, to value the work.
The man, who has not been identified, is being questioned at Durham City police station.
A police spokesman said a man, who claimed to be an international businessman, had acquired the volume in Cuba, showed it to staff and then asked them to verify it as genuine.
Library staff then realised, when the man agreed to leave the book with them, that it was stolen.
A spokesman for Durham University said staff are delighted to have the book recovered.
Bill Bryson, chancellor of Durham University said: "This is not only wonderful news for Durham University but for all Shakespeare's scholars and fans around the world".
Mr Bryson added that the book is a "national treasure" giving a snapshot of Britain's "incredible literary heritage".
The literary work has been described by experts as "the most important book in the English language".
The man was arrested on Thursday at an address in Wigeon Close, Washington, Tyne and Wear.
It is understood the British Embassy in the US alerted Durham Police to the find two weeks ago.
In a police raid, a handwritten manuscript of an English translation of the New Testament from the 14th Century was also recovered.
A book by 10th Century scholar Aelfric was also found.
It is understood the stolen items were part of an exhibit of 50 examples of English literature dating from the Middle Ages to the 20th Century.
University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Chris Higgins, says that "security has been very significantly reviewed and enhanced to the highest standards".
It is understood that the Durham Police are working with the FBI in the US.
The Shakespeare folio is being held at the Washington library.
(DS/KMcA)
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