Prologue to Malory's King Arthur - Classic Text | Alexandria
Prologue to Malory's King Arthur by William Caxton (c. 1485) stands as one of the most significant paratextual works in English literary history, serving as both an introduction to and a defense of Sir Thomas Malory's seminal work "Le Morte d'Arthur." This remarkable piece of literary craftsmanship, written by England's first printer, represents a crucial moment in the transformation of medieval romance into Renaissance literature.
The prologue emerged during a pivotal period of technological and cultural revolution, as Caxton's printing press was revolutionizing the dissemination of knowledge in fifteenth-century England. Written and printed in Westminster in 1485, the same year as the Battle of Bosworth Field and the dawn of the Tudor dynasty, the prologue reflects the complex interplay between medieval literary traditions and emerging Renaissance sensibilities. Caxton's careful positioning of Malory's work within the broader Arthurian tradition demonstrates his acute awareness of both the literary marketplace and the cultural significance of Arthurian romance.
In this masterfully constructed introduction, Caxton weaves together multiple rhetorical strategies to establish the authenticity and relevance of Malory's text. He notably addresses the historical veracity of King Arthur, presenting evidence from various sources including Geoffrey of Monmouth and citing physical artifacts such as Arthur's seal at Westminster and his tomb at Glastonbury. The prologue's sophisticated defense of romance literature as both entertaining and morally instructive helped establish a new paradigm for English prose fiction.
The influence of Caxton's prologue extends far beyond its immediate historical context, having shaped centuries of Arthurian scholarship and literary criticism. Modern scholars continue to mine this text for insights into late medieval publishing practices, the evolution of English prose, and the complex relationship between printer, author, and audience. The prologue remains particularly relevant today as questions of textual authority, historical truth, and the role of literature in society continue to resonate. How might Caxton's careful balancing of entertainment and edification inform our contemporary discussions about the value and purpose of literature?