A 17th-century notebook containing the jottings of perhaps the world’s first Shakespeare scholar has left experts “trembling” in anticipation of what it may contain.

Entitled Shakespeare: Comedies and Tragedies, it was discovered among the collection of 18th Century antiquarian John Loveday of Caversham by a relative.

Matthew Haley, head of books and manuscripts at Bonhams, appraised the item for Antiques Roadshow, filmed at Caversham Park, Berkshire.