In 1896 the Vassar-educated wife of this man wrote, “thousands of dollars may be paid for a copy of Shakespeare”

The Final Jeopardy clue from Monday, June 23, 2025, in the category “Collections” was:

“In 1896 the Vassar-educated wife of this man wrote, ‘thousands of dollars may be paid for a copy of Shakespeare.’”

Who is Henry Clay Folger?

Monday’s clue referenced a pivotal figure in American literary collecting: Henry Clay Folger. While many know the Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, D.C., fewer may realize the essential role Folger’s wife, Emily Jordan Folger, played in building that collection. A graduate of Vassar College in 1879, Emily was deeply involved in the scholarly and administrative work surrounding the couple’s acquisition of Shakespearean materials. Her 1896 remark on the soaring value of Shakespeare’s works was both prescient and grounded in experience—she and her husband would eventually amass the world’s largest collection of Shakespeare First Folios.

Emily Folger’s statement reflected the emerging world of rare book collecting at the turn of the 20th century, when cultural artifacts were increasingly seen as both scholarly resources and symbols of prestige. Her words in 1896 weren’t just an observation about market prices—they hinted at a shared mission between her and Henry to preserve and elevate Shakespeare’s legacy through thoughtful and extensive collecting.

The Folgers and Their Shakespearean Vision

Henry Clay Folger, a Standard Oil executive by profession, devoted much of his wealth and energy to acquiring Shakespearean works. Alongside his wife Emily, he quietly pursued rare books, letters, and ephemera related to the Bard. Their collecting spanned over three decades and culminated in the establishment of the Folger Shakespeare Library, which opened in 1932—two years after Henry’s death.

While Henry handled much of the bidding and acquisitions, Emily was instrumental in cataloging, organizing, and justifying their purchases. She also corresponded with scholars, helped select materials, and even worked with architects to finalize the library’s design. Her education and insight made her more than a supportive spouse; she was a partner in building what is now a cornerstone of global Shakespearean scholarship.

Understanding the Value of a First Folio

When Emily wrote in 1896 that “thousands of dollars may be paid for a copy of Shakespeare,” she was referencing the increasing rarity and prestige of the First Folio—the 1623 collection of Shakespeare’s plays compiled by his colleagues after his death. Only about 235 copies are known to exist today, and even fewer remain in complete condition. In the late 19th century, interest in these volumes was growing rapidly among collectors, scholars, and wealthy benefactors.

Emily’s foresight proved accurate. Prices for Shakespeare First Folios have soared, with auction values now reaching well into the millions. The Folgers ultimately acquired 82 copies, far more than any other individual or institution. Their passion for preserving these literary works continues to shape how the world reads, studies, and appreciates Shakespeare.

The Legacy of Henry and Emily Folger

The clue’s reference to Emily Folger highlights her often-overlooked role in literary history. Her education, letters, and meticulous attention to detail allowed the Folger Shakespeare Library to open with both scholarly and aesthetic credibility. After her husband’s death, Emily remained closely involved with the institution’s early operations, ensuring their shared vision endured.

Together, the Folgers didn’t just collect books—they created a national treasure. Today, the Folger Library is not only a research center but also a public museum and performance venue, all made possible by the long-standing dedication of a couple who believed deeply in the power of literature.

A Final Jeopardy Clue with Lasting Impact

This Final Jeopardy clue offered more than a name; it brought attention to a couple whose quiet work had an outsized impact on American cultural life. Emily Folger’s 1896 statement captured a turning point when literature, collecting, and historical preservation began to intersect on a grand scale. And in naming Henry Clay Folger as the correct response, the show spotlighted a legacy built not on fame or fortune, but on a deep and enduring love of Shakespeare.