In the late nineteenth century, Horace Howard Furness (1833-1912) and others thought it necessary to revive the concept of the variorium in Shakespeare studies, but thought the method would be improved if each play had its own exhaustive edition with text and commentary. He oversaw the enterprise along with his son, Horace Howard Furness Jr. (1865-1930).
Read the essay by Daniel Traister, “The Furness Memorial Library.”
Read the essay by James M. Gibson, “Horace Howard Furness: Book Collector and Library Builder.
The photograph shows Mr. Furness in his study at Lindenshade, his home in Wallingford, PA, c. 1900.