Title, Prologue and Epilogues to the Recuyell of the Histories of Troy - Classic Text | Alexandria
The Recuyell of the Histories of Troy, accompanied by its prologue and epilogues, stands as a pivotal moment in English literary and printing history, representing William Caxton's first printed book and the first book ever printed in the English language. Completed around 1473-74, this monumental work is a translation from French of Raoul Lefèvre's "Recueil des Histoires de Troyes," undertaken by Caxton while serving in the court of Margaret of Burgundy.
The text's genesis is documented in Caxton's own prologue, where he describes beginning the translation in Bruges in 1469 and, after initial struggles, completing it in Cologne in 1471. This personal account provides rare insight into the medieval translation process and the patronage system that supported literary production. The work consists of three books chronicling the founding and fall of Troy, incorporating elements from classical mythology alongside medieval romantic traditions.
What makes this text particularly fascinating is its dual significance as both a literary milestone and a technological breakthrough. The prologue and epilogues serve as valuable documents of early printing history, offering glimpses into the challenges and innovations of establishing English printing. Caxton's careful explanations of his editorial decisions and translation choices reveal the emerging standardization of English prose and the development of printing conventions.
The work's influence extended far beyond its immediate context, helping establish a model for future English prose translations and printed books. Its legacy is evident in the development of English publishing practices and the standardization of the English language. The original printed copies, of which only eighteen are known to survive, remain objects of intense scholarly interest, with their production details and provenance continuing to yield new insights into the transition from manuscript to print culture.
Today, the text stands as a testament to the interconnected nature of technological and cultural innovation in the late medieval period, while its prologue and epilogues continue to provide valuable material for studying the development of English prose style, translation theory, and the economics of early printing. The work's enduring significance raises intriguing questions about the role of individual agency in technological and linguistic change, and how such moments of transition continue to shape our understanding of textual production and transmission.