Stealing Shakespeare, BBC One

Stealing Shakespeare, BBC One | reviews, news & interviews

Stealing Shakespeare, BBC One

Dodgy dealer, dodgy documentary

by Jasper ReesFriday, 30 July 2010

Raymond Scott, antiquarian bookseller or purveyor of dodgy goods? Let the jury decide

“Well! It is now publique, & you wil stand for your priuiledges wee know: to read, and censure. Do so, but buy it first...” In 1623, the First Folio edition of Shakespeare’s works was collected by the actors John Heminge and Henry Condell. It cost a quid. Whenever they come on the market nowadays, editions tend to shift for rather more. Not so long ago I was allowed to leaf through the copy belonging to the Guildhall Library in the City of London. Valued at perhaps £2.5 million, it leaves the shelves only rarely. Whenever it does, it rests on a judiciously arranged beanbag. All who approach don white gloves. Slightly less respect was accorded to the First Folio in last night’s Stealing Shakespeare.

The Folger called in an expert, who called in another expert, who called in another expert – there were more experts in this story than you could shake a spear at

Buy

Find the First Folio on Amazon

Explore topics

Share this article

...

Permalink Submitted by N.Smith (not verified) on Fri, 30/07/2010 - 12:52

This program made me so angry, what the hell is going on at the BBC? who thought it would be a good idea to waste money on giving this CRIMINAL the exposure he wants? Shame on you BBC

...

Permalink Submitted by Anon (not verified) on Fri, 30/07/2010 - 19:43

I think that you may have missed the point of this programme. The idea was pretty clear to me: you give the man a long enough rope, and he will hang himself. And it seems that he did a pretty good job of that. I think it was a very good insight into the lengths people will go to in order to find happiness. He is clearly a very lonely man who went a bit too far in order to get what he wanted. Quite tragic really that people like this exist in our society. Ronnie Biggs flaunted the UK legal system for years and was considered a hero, do you think the same of the exposure he received over the years? I really enjoyed this doc, it was entertaining and really hung Scott out to dry.

...

Permalink Submitted by Waqar (not verified) on Mon, 06/09/2010 - 01:22

the documentary was quite entertaining, in the sense that mr scotts iddiocy was slowly unravelled and his delusions of grandeur. Quite heart warming to see him sentenced for 8 years. What an idot.

Add comment

The future of Arts Journalism

You can stop theartsdesk.com closing!

We urgently need financing to survive. Our fundraising drive has thus far raised £33,000 but we need to reach £100,000 or we will be forced to close. Please contribute here: https://gofund.me/c3f6033d

And if you can forward this information to anyone who might assist, we’d be grateful.

Subscribe to theartsdesk.com

Thank you for continuing to read our work on theartsdesk.com. For unlimited access to every article in its entirety, including our archive of more than 15,000 pieces, we're asking for £5 per month or £40 per year. We feel it's a very good deal, and hope you do too.

To take a subscription now simply click here.

And if you're looking for that extra gift for a friend or family member, why not treat them to a theartsdesk.com gift subscription?

more TV

Paris Has Fallen, Prime Video review - Afghan war veteran wreaks a terrible vengeance Cynical politicians and amoral arms dealers feel the heat

Wolf Hall: The Mirror and the Light, BBC One review - handsome finale for Hilary Mantel adaptation Mark Rylance is on top form as his Thomas Cromwell re-emerges after nine years

The Day of the Jackal, Sky Atlantic review - Frederick Forsyth's assassin gets a modern-day makeover Eddie Redmayne shoots to kill in lavish 10-part drama

Until I Kill You, ITV1 review - superb performances in a frustrating true-crime story Anna Maxwell Martin and Shaun Evans are compelling, but the script needs more ballast

Road Diary: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, Disney+ review - the Boss grows older defiantly Thom Zimny's film reels in 50 years of New Jersey's most famous export

Industry, BBC One review - bold, addictive saga about corporate culture now Third season of the tale of investment bankers reaches a satisfying climax