It is a curious fact that the first English – language book was produced not in England but on the continent. William Caxton (1422 – 1491) learned about the mystery of printing in the Low Countries, and it was in Bruges, he translated a French work, ” The Tales of Troy, ” through his printing press.
Some histories of printing say that this was because printing was regarded in England as the work of the Devil. Indeed, the artists and calligraphers bitterly opposed the new craft who transcribed and decorated the handwritten books. But the general public never regarded printing as the contrivance of the Devil. After all, some of the earliest printed works were commissioned by the Pope.
Apprentice
In Bruges, Caxton did his first printing because he found a master printer who would oversee his work there. That was Colard Mansion, a renowned artisan of his time. As soon as Caxton was sure of his technique, he bought a press and some type, returned to England and set up his printery in a Westminster Abbey outbuilding.
William Caxton was born about 1422 in Kent. At 14, he was apprenticed to Robert Lange, a wealthy cloth merchant from the City of London who a few years later became a Lord Mayor. Historians speculate that when Large died in 1441, he left some of the money to young Caxton.
Some years later, Caxton travelled to Burgundy with the reputation of a talented but well-educated businessman and then later moved to the Netherlands. He held various offices equivalent to that of a modern consul in Burgundy and Antwerp proves that he was highly respected.
He was a high energy and initiative man, and he found his official duties too light to challenge him. He began to translate a famous French work on the Trojan Wars into English to occupy his time.
Early Years of Printing
Caxton’s friends enjoyed his translation, and he wanted as many as possible to have copies. However, though done with quickness and neatness that would astound us today, manuscript versions were still too expensive for Caxton. So he turned to the burgeoning art of printing, realising if he could operate a press himself, then he would be able to make a tidy profit.
He appears to have gone to Cologne to learn the new techniques. It was not an easy endeavour, for the dozen or so printers that were working jealously guarded their secrets. They worked behind locked doors, and few were willing to impart their knowledge for a long time. Caxton wrote: “I have practised and learned my at my great charge and dispense with ordaining this said book in print after the manner and form as you may see here.”
Caxton went from Cologne to Bruges, where he could finance a new press with Collard Mansion. The first book he produced was Caxton’s own “Tales of Troy,” with 351 leaves, printed only on one side. It was well-received in England, and Caxton felt confident enough to set up a printing shop in London.
Edward IV had married Elizabeth of Burgundy, whose sister, the Duchess Margaret of Burgundy, had been a friend and patron of Caxton on the Continent. Probably from family influence, Caxton received the immediate support of King Edward in the setup of his new venture. After a few trial efforts in the way of tracts and pamphlets, he printed “The sayings of the Philosophers translated from French by Earl Rivers, the Queen’s brother. This was in 1477.
Fine Record
The following year Caxton published an edition of Chaucer’s “Canterbury Tales,” an event of great significance in English Literary History. He died in 1491 but not before he had printed 99 books in 14 years.
Although Caxton’s books have no claim to beauty, he was much interested in all he printed. He was not a mere mechanical producer, but he laboured as an author, translator, and editor as well. He published for the English market, undoubtedly with the view to seeking sales, and his works were so well-read that very few survived.
He printed entirely in Black Letter type, which was based upon the old script. His books have no title pages, though some have prologues and colophons. (end pieces giving information about composition and date of printing).
At first, had initial letters of his chapters and other decorative work done by hand, but later, he followed the continental practice of printing these sometimes in red.
Poetry and Romance
Caxton was a crucial figure in the western world’s history as he helped to create a demand for literature and good translations. While the printers in the Lowlands, Germany, and Italy were busy printing Latin texts, Caxton preferred to produce volumes of English poetry and romance. ‘s history is marvellous business acumen, joined with his love of reading, made him a significant figure in history of English Literature.