00:00Durham University's first folio of Shakespeare's plays returned after being stolen in 1998
00:06and it's now on display at Palace Green Library in its damaged state.
00:11The 400-year-old book lost its leather cover, boards, endpapers and several pages during
00:17the theft.
00:18Experts decided not to fully restore it, saying rebinding would be inherently destructive.
00:24Instead, the folio is exhibited as it is, allowing visitors to see pages normally hidden
00:29and offering unique insights into its history.
00:33Staff say this approach highlights what makes the copy distinctive.
00:36The exhibition runs until April, encouraging reflection on conservation and historical
00:41preservation choices.
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