Much ado as £15m book is recovered

11:00am Saturday 12th July 2008

Comments (0)   Have your say »

A BOOK dealer was being questioned by police last night in connection with the theft of a collected works of Shakespeare worth £15m.

The 1623 copy of Shakespeare First Folio, described as the most important printed work in the English language, was stolen from Durham University shortly before Christmas 1998.

Six other historic items, including a hand-written English translation of the New Testament dating from the 14th century, were also taken, from display cabinets in University library.

Durham Police arrested a 51-year-old man during a raid on a house on Wigeon Close, in Washington, Tyne and Wear, on Thursday. He was released on bail last night.

The swoop followed a two-week worldwide inquiry triggered when a man presented the folio to the Folger Shakespeare Library, in Washington DC, USA.

The man, who claimed to be an international businessman, said he had bought it in Cuba and wanted to know if it was genuine.

Checks revealed the hefty tome was the one stolen.

A Durham University spokeswoman said the university was "rejoicing" at its recovery.

Librarian John Hall said: "I had a sense of disbelief when I heard. I can't wait to get it back to Durham and celebrate its return."

Shakespeare First Folio is the earliest compilation of the Bard's plays. Of the 750 printed, only about 250 survive.

Durham's copy was acquired by John Cosin, then Bishop of Durham, and put into the library he established in the city in 1669.

University library staff discovered it missing from an exhibition staged as part of an academic conference on December 17, 1998.

Also stolen were a 15th century manuscript including a fragment of a poem by Geoffrey Chaucer, author of the Canterbury Tales; two works by the 10th century poet Aelfric, printed in 1566 and 1709; an edition of Beowulf printed in 1815; and a 1612 book of maps and poetry.

The Shakespeare folio is being held at the Folger library, in a climate controlled and water controlled sealed book vault.

Garland Scott, head of external relations at the Folger, said: "A gentleman arrived and let our security guards know that he had something, that he had some questions about it, and was there someone who could help?

"The Folger is the world's largest Shakespeare's collection and we often get people bringing us things. They don't usually show up unannounced - that was a bit different.

"But our librarian met with him. It was immediately clear it was a First Folio. It's great news for librarians everywhere and great news for people who love Shakespeare."

The library called in the FBI. Durham Police were alerted by the British Embassy in the US.

The man arrested has been named locally as Raymond Scott. Police believe he is the man who appeared at the Washington library two weeks ago.

Experts are picking through other books recovered from Mr Scott's home, some of which police believe may be stolen.

Det Supt Andy Reddick said: "We've recovered a fairly large amount of exhibits from the house. We're still examining those and getting experts in to assist us, to see what we've got. Those items will be gone through in the very near future.

"We are delighted for the university and for the whole country because these items are being described as a national treasure beyond value.

"We're not going to rest until we get the other items back as well."

Det Supt Reddick said experts with skills in locating hidden items were brought in to find the books.

Mr Scott lives with his elderly mother Hannah, who was taken away from their home by police in a marked car yesterday.

Along with books, officers seized Mr Scott's silver Ferrari, which seemed out of place on the humble cul-de-sac.

Neighbours said Mr Scott would wear wrap-around sunglasses and a dressing gown to iron his car seats - and then take the bus into town to do his shopping.

George Atkinson, 59, said: "He is a total loner. As far as I knew he sold expensive books over the internet.

"What was very strange was that he's owned a string of flashy cars.

"He's a bit of a geek and looks a bit like Bill Gates, but also a bit like the football manager Martin O'Neill."

Another neighbour, who declined to be named, said Mr Scott would take expensive holidays, telling people he met that he had a wife and children.

She said: "I don't know if he was just embarrassed he lived with his mum or if he was living out some kind of fantasy.

"He would often go out in expensive Armani suits, together with the sports cars something didn't ring true."

Durham University vice-chancellor Chris Higgins said a party was being planned to welcome the Shakespeare folio home.

He said: "Staff and community felt a huge sense of loss when the books were stolen, so you can imagine my excitement and delight when I received the call from the police to say the First Folio had been found."

Chancellor Bill Bryson, author of an acclaimed book on Shakespeare, said: "This is not only wonderful news for Durham University but for all Shakespearean scholars and fans around the world, of which I am most definitely one.

"Like Shakespeare himself, this book is a national treasure giving a rare and beautiful snapshot of Britain's incredible literary heritage.

"I'll certainly be joining the crowds who will be eagerly welcoming it home."