William Caxton, English printer

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William Caxton, English printer

William Caxton (centre, c1422-1491), first English printer. Caxton studied printing in Germany, in 1471, and set up a press in Belgium, where he produced the first book printed in English - his own version of a French romance, Recuyell of the Historyes of Troye (1474). Returning to England in 1476, he set up a wooden printing press in London, where he produced the first book printed in England, Dictes or Sayengis of the Philosophres (1477). He went on to print about 100 books, including Chaucers Canterbury Tales, and revised and translated many himself. Artwork published in Heroes of the Laboratory and the Workshop (1860)

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Media ID 6411067

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15th Century Dead Early Fifteenth Portraits Printer Printing Publisher Publishing Reading Standing Surname C Will I Am Worker Working Workshop Caxton Mono Chrome

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This print showcases the remarkable figure of William Caxton, an influential English printer from the fifteenth century. Standing confidently at the center of the frame, Caxton's pioneering spirit is palpable as he holds a significant place in history as the first English printer. Having studied printing techniques in Germany, Caxton established his own press in Belgium where he accomplished a groundbreaking feat - producing the very first book printed in English. This revolutionary work was his own rendition of a French romance titled "Recuyell of the Historyes of Troye" published in 1474. Returning to England three years later, Caxton set up a wooden printing press in London and continued to make history by publishing "Dictes or Sayengis of the Philosophres" (1477), which became known as England's inaugural printed book. Throughout his career, he went on to print approximately 100 books including Geoffrey Chaucer's timeless masterpiece "Canterbury Tales" while also taking on roles as translator and reviser. The artwork itself exudes an air of historical significance with its monochromatic tones and intricate detailing. It serves not only as a tribute to this technological pioneer but also provides us with a glimpse into early printing practices that laid down foundations for modern publishing.

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