Shakespeare scholars, theater historians, performers and production specialists will discover the working texts of stage managers and company prompters, actors' study books and notes on staging and role interpretation. Libraries in both England and the United States contributed their collections to create this magnificent resource.

Series One: The Folger Shakespeare Library Collection, Washington D.C.

This collection represents the world's largest assemblage of prompt books, with more than 900 volumes included.

Series One: 86 reels in four parts

Series Two: The Harvard Theatre Collection

Series Two includes nearly 400 prompt books that vividly recreate British and American 19th century Shakespearean productions.

Series Two: 36 reels in two parts

Series Three: The Shakespeare Library Collection, Birmingham Public Library

Covering a great range of productions in England between 1811 and 1929, this part of the collection offers insights into both touring London plays and the Birmingham Theatre Royal's own productions. Included are the prompt books (1900-1926) of Frank Benson, the leading figure in the Stratford Shakespeare Festivals, and the Gordon Crosse Theatrical Diary, which offers a rare eyewitness account of Shakespeare productions more than more than 60 years.

Series Three: 10 reels

Series Four: The Shakespeare Centre Library Collection, Stratford-upon-Avon

The primary archive for all the records of the Stratford theatres is the Shakespeare Centre. It contains more than 500 prompt books, dating from the early 18th century to 1975. The collection's earliest prompt copies are from the days of the Theatres Royal, including the rare copy of Cymbeline used in David Garrick's version of the play at Drury Lane.

Series Four: 85 reels in four parts

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