Raymond Scott and the Shakespeare First Folio: A Tale of Suspicion and Confusion

In June 2008, a peculiar individual, dressed head-to-toe in designer white clothes, complete with Cartier watch, Rolex bracelet, Versace rings, and Tiffany sunglasses, walked into the Shakespeare Folger Library in Washington DC. The man, later identified as Raymond Scott, carried a battered Louis Vuitton case containing what is widely regarded as the most important secular book in the English language - the Shakespeare First Folio.

Published in 1623, around seven years after Shakespeare's death, the Folio is a collection of 36 of his plays. It is a treasure trove of literary significance, and its presence in Scott's possession raised eyebrows among staff at the library, accustomed to welcoming aged academics and sipping tea and cakes in a quaint ritual at 3pm every working day.

The story took a dramatic turn when Scott was arrested for handling stolen goods and removing goods from the UK, also known as smuggling. The investigation revealed that the Shakespeare First Folio had been stolen from Durham University library in 1998.

During his trial at Newcastle Crown Court, Scott's defense team faced an uphill battle to clear him of the charges. However, just last week, as the trial reached a crucial point, Scott shocked everyone by walking into Peterlee police station and handing over two stolen paintings and an old Latin dictionary.

Scott's actions were met with confusion and suspicion, not least by his own legal representative, Toby Hedworth QC. In a bizarre twist, Scott explained that he had been inspired by the Russian chess grandmaster Mikhail Tal, who would sacrifice pieces to confuse his opponents. Scott claimed that he too wanted to 'confuse' those involved in the case.

The judge, Richard Lowden, has warned Scott to expect a 'substantial custodial sentence.' As Raymond Rickett Scott awaits his fate in custody, many are left wondering what motivated him to possess such an valuable and historic book. Despite the uncertainty surrounding his actions, one thing is clear: the Shakespeare First Folio will continue to be cherished as a symbol of literary greatness, and its story will serve as a reminder of the importance of preserving our cultural heritage.

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