An old engraving of William Caxton (–1491) - Caxton is credited as first person to introduce a printing press into England (in 1476) and was the first English seller of printed books. This engraving shows Caxton surrounded by printer's marks. A printer's mark is a symbol used as a trademark by early printers
An old engraving of William Caxton (–1491). Caxton is credited as first person to introduce a printing press into England, in 1476, and was the first English retailer of printed books. In 1438 he was apprenticed to Robert Large, a wealthy London silk mercer. Caxton was settled in Bruges, Belgium by 1450 where he became interested in reading and fine literature. During his business travels, he observed the new printing industry in Cologne, which led him to start a printing press in Bruges in collaboration with Colard Mansion. Caxton set up a press at Westminster in 1476. The first book known to have been produced there was an edition of Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales. He printed verses of the Bible in English, as well as romances, classical works and histories. He translated into English and edited many of the works himself. He is credited with the first English translation of Aesop's Fables, in 1484. Caxton is credited with helping to standardise the various dialects of English through his printed works. This engraving shows Caxton surrounded by printer's marks. A printer's mark is a symbol used as a trademark by early printers. The practice started in the 15th century. One of the best known printer's marks is the dolphin and anchor, first used by the Venetian printer Aldus Manutius in 1502.
Size: 2393px × 2953px
Location: UK
Photo credit: © M&N / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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