Late Middle Ages · Europe · Technology
1474
Caxton Prints First English Book
1474
In Bruges, William Caxton produced his Recuyell of the Historyes of Troye, the first book printed in English. The text was his own translation from the French. Caxton had spent decades as a Merchant Adventurer abroad and returned technology and a language together. English print culture had a founder. The choice of a Trojan romance reflected the medieval belief that Britain was founded by Trojan refugees, giving English readers classical pedigree.
In context
Also in 1474 (3 other events on record)
- Isabella Crowned Queen of Castile · Europe · Politics
- Venetian Patent Statute Enacted · Europe · Science
- Battle of Drazenci · Europe · War
Before and after in Europe
Before and after in Technology
Era
Late Middle Ages (1301–1500), one of 874 events from that era on Saeculum.
Sources