Quarto

Definition

A quarto is a type of book format that results from folding a single sheet of paper twice to create four leaves or eight pages. This printing method was significant during the early modern period, particularly for the publication of plays, including those by Shakespeare, as it allowed for a more portable and affordable version of texts compared to larger formats.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Quartos were popular for the publication of plays during the late 16th and early 17th centuries, as they were more accessible to the general public.
2. Shakespeare's works were often published in quarto format before the release of the First Folio, making them widely available and contributing to his fame.
3. Some quartos are known as 'bad quartos,' which are believed to be based on unauthorized versions or memories rather than from the original scripts.
4. The term 'quarto' reflects not only the physical size but also indicates the economic factors that influenced the publishing industry at the time.
5. The printing of quartos played a crucial role in the preservation and dissemination of Shakespeare’s work, allowing for multiple editions and variations to circulate among audiences.

Review Questions

• How did the quarto format influence the accessibility of Shakespeare's plays during his lifetime?
  • The quarto format made Shakespeare's plays more accessible to a broader audience due to its smaller size and lower production costs compared to larger formats like folios. This meant that playgoers and readers from various social classes could afford to purchase or access these texts. As a result, the quarto became an essential means for disseminating Shakespeare’s works beyond elite circles, contributing significantly to his growing popularity and the public's engagement with his plays.
• Compare and contrast quartos and folios in terms of their impact on early modern literature and publishing practices.
  • Quartos and folios represent different approaches to book publishing in early modern literature. Quartos were smaller, cheaper, and more easily distributed, enabling a wider readership for playwrights like Shakespeare. In contrast, folios were larger and often used for more prestigious publications, including collected works such as the First Folio of Shakespeare. The existence of both formats illustrates how economic factors shaped literary accessibility and helped establish the literary canon through different publication strategies.
• Evaluate the significance of 'bad quartos' in understanding Shakespeare's legacy and the textual history of his works.
  • 'Bad quartos' are important for evaluating Shakespeare's legacy because they highlight the complexities involved in textual transmission during his time. These editions often contain inaccuracies or variations that arise from being based on unauthorized sources or actors' memories rather than original scripts. Analyzing these texts reveals insights into how plays were performed, received, and recorded, thereby enriching our understanding of Shakespeare’s influence on theater and literature while also prompting discussions about authenticity and authorship in early modern publishing.

Related terms

folio: A folio is a book format made by folding a sheet of paper once, resulting in two leaves or four pages, typically larger and more expensive than a quarto.

octavo: An octavo is a book format created by folding a sheet of paper three times, resulting in eight leaves or sixteen pages, usually smaller than a quarto.

First Folio:

The First Folio is the first collected edition of Shakespeare's plays, published in 1623, which included many works that had previously appeared only in quarto form.