Caxton : England's First Publisher

Osprey Publishing, London, first edition, 1976. Cloth, 8vo, 25 cm,. xi, 220 pp, ills, facs. From the blurb: "The popular image of Caxton is that of the first English printer. But this new book by Professor Blake sets out to show Caxton in all his dimensions - firstly as merchant and businessman, then as diplomatic negotiator in Europe for Edward IV (and later Henry VII), and finally as printer, bookseller and publisher. In the latter function, in particular, this book shows the debt modern publishing owes him. Caxton began his working life as an apprentice with the Mercers' Company, and was involved in business dealings on their behalf - and later his own - between England and the Low Countries. Books were already part of the wealthy merchant's trade before he decided to extend his business to include the publishing of them. To this purpose Caxton learnt the trade of printing in Bruges and Cologne; then returned to England and set up business in Westminster, where he worked until his death. The author describes the technical aspects of the production of Caxton's books, dealing with the way the texts were presented, type sorts, the kind of paper used, watermarks, woodcuts, corrections and reprints. Finally he discusses the way in which Caxton's business was continued by his assistant, Wynkyn de Worde, and the way in which the latter's publishing policy differed from that of his master. Top edge duststained, otherwise Near Fine in Near Fine dustwrapper.