Happy 400th, Sonnets

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/shortstack/2009/04/happy_400th_birthday_shakespea.html

In celebration of the man’s birthday, we should not overlook the fact that 2009 is the 400th anniversary of publication of the Sonnets.

I like this article which details the author’s visit to the Folger to see the actual physical publications of the sonnets over the years, including

a one-of-a-kind treasure made for Mr. Folger in 1926. Clad in leather and studded with sapphires and 18-carat gold, it sits snug in a blue velvet box. When Dr. Ziegler opens it, I expect our faces to melt off like the climax of "Indian Jones." The pages are velum, with silk sheets between each one. The intricately painted scenes radiate off the pages, bright and rich.