Definition

Proper noun * William Caxton: An English merchant, diplomat, writer, and printer. He is historically significant as the first person to introduce a printing press to England and, as a result, the first English retailer of printed books.

Usage and Examples

• Proper noun:
  • William Caxton printed "The Recuyell of the Historyes of Troye" in 1473, which is considered the first book printed in the English language.
  • The Caxton edition of "The Canterbury Tales" is a very important early version of Chaucer's work.
  • Scholars study Caxton's prologues and epilogues to understand early publishing practices.

Advanced Usage

• The term "Caxtonian" is sometimes used as an adjective to describe things pertaining to William Caxton or his press.
  • The library holds a collection of Caxtonian artifacts.

Variants and Related Words

• Caxtonian (adjective): Of or relating to William Caxton or his work.
• Incunabula (noun): Books printed before 1501, which includes the works produced by Caxton's press.

Synonyms

• Early English printer
• First English printer

Notes on Meaning

• "Caxton" almost exclusively refers to the historical figure William Caxton. It is not used as a common noun.
• His primary significance lies in his role in printing technology and the dissemination of literature in English, rather than in authorship.

Noun

1. English printer who in 1474 printed the first book in English (1422-1491)