The coxcomb Shakespeare definition represents a fascinating intersection of botanical nomenclature and literary criticism, specifically concerning the physical appearance of the Bard’s First Folio. This term, rarely encountered in casual conversation, describes the distinctive shape of the collected works published in 1623, which some contemporaries and modern observers liken to a rooster’s comb due to its tall, narrow, and slightly curved profile. Understanding this visual descriptor provides a tangible connection to the material history of Shakespeare’s legacy, moving the text from the abstract realm of literature into the concrete world of artifacts and objects.
The Physical Manifestation of the First Folio
To grasp the coxcomb Shakespeare definition, one must first visualize the First Folio itself. Standing over a foot tall, the volume is imposing and cumbersome, designed more for display on a shelf than for portability. Its construction, featuring a sturdy paper backing and thick boards covered in leather, results in a spine that rises prominently above the fore-edge. This structural necessity, dictated by the gathering of leaves and the binding process, creates the iconic silhouette that has led to the coxcomb comparison, transforming a book of plays into a sculptural object that commands attention.
Historical Context and Contemporary Usage
The origin of the term "coxcomb" to describe the Folio is rooted in the observational language of the seventeenth century, where such similes were common in descriptive cataloging. While the exact first person to make the analogy is lost to history, the comparison persisted because of its accuracy. The term "coxcomb" itself, meaning a rooster’s comb or a vain, flashy person, perfectly captures the visual absurdity and grandeur of the bound volumes. Scholars and bibliophiles continue to employ this evocative phrase to distinguish the First Folio from the smaller, more modestly bound subsequent editions of Shakespeare’s works.
Why This Shape Matters
The coxcomb shape is not merely an aesthetic curiosity; it is a direct consequence of the Folio’s ambition. Compiled seven years after Shakespeare’s death by his colleagues John Heminges and Henry Condell, the book aimed to preserve the complete canon, including beloved plays like *Macbeth* and *The Tempest* that had never been printed. To contain this vast collection, the paper had to be folded multiple times, creating signatures of varying thicknesses. When bound together, these thick signatures forced the spine to bulge, creating the exaggerated curve that defines the coxcomb profile and ensuring the book’s status as a monumental achievement in printing.
Visual distinction from the less imposing Second Folio of 1632.
Indicator of the book’s substantial size and authoritative nature.
Historical link to the early modern practices of bookbinding and printing.
Symbol of the enduring effort to canonize Shakespeare’s work.
A tactile representation of the cultural value placed on the playwright.
Interpreting the Metaphor
Beyond the literal description of the book’s form, the coxcomb Shakespeare definition invites a richer metaphorical reading. A rooster’s comb is a proud and conspicuous feature, signifying vitality and dominance. Applying this to the Folio suggests the volume’s authoritative role in establishing Shakespeare’s reputation. Just as a comb is essential for a rooster’s display, the First Folio was the primary tool for shaping the public’s understanding of his genius, crowning him as the supreme figure of English literature long before the term "Shakespearean" became a byword for excellence.
