Ancient Historie of the Destruction of Troy: Conteining the founders and foundation of the said citie, with the causes and maner of the first and second spoiles and sackings thereof, by Hercules his followers: and the third and last vtter desolation and ruine, effected by Menelaus and all the notabl

London: Printed by Thomas Creede, 1607. CAXTON, William. A Rare Early Edition of Caxton's Translation of the First Book Printed in English

[LEFEVRE, Raoul]. CAXTON, William, [translator]. The Ancient Historie of the Destruction of Troy. Conteining the founders and foundation of the said citie, with the causes and maner of the first and second spoiles and sackings thereof, by Hercules his followers: and the third and last vtter desolation and ruine, effected by Menelaus and all the notable worthies of Greece. Here also are mentioned the rising and flourishing of sundry kings with their realmes: as also the decay and ouerthrow of diuers others. Besides many admirable, and most rare exploits of chiualrie and martiall prowesse, effected by valourous knights: with incredible euents, compassed, for, and through the loue of ladies. Translated out of French into English, by W. Caxton.

Newly corrected, and the English much amended. By William Fiston. London: Printed by Thomas Creede, 1607.

A rare early edition of Caxton's translation of the first book printed in English. This being the fifth edition of Caxton's English translation and the second edition amended by Fiston and printed by Thomas Creede. The first Creede edition was in 1596. Neither this present edition, nor the first Creede edition have been recorded at auction since the 1920 Huth sale which showed an incorrect collation. Only a handful of libraries contain this present edition, and only The Bodlein library and the Folger library have the 1596 edition, with the Folger cpoy being imperfect. Small quarto (7 1/4 x 5 1/2 inches; 185 x 140 mm). [6], 312, 321-904 [ie 604], [4, table] pp. Bound without final blank, otherwise complete. Numerous printing errors in pagination. With headers and initials. With separate title pages for second and third book, but pagination is continuous.

Nineteenth-century quarter morocco over marbled boards. Spine lettered in gilt. Top edge gilt. Marbled endpapers. Title-page and first leaf remargined at inner margin. Title-page and following three leaves with large repair, affecting a small amount text, mostly in the introduction. Leaf K3 with corner renewed. Leaf G5 with small marginal repair, not affecting text. A few instances of minor early ink marginalia. Some toning and foxing. Previous owner's bookplate on front pastedown. Housed in a green cloth slipcase. Overall a very good copy.

Caxton's English version was the first book printed in English and the first book printed by Caxton. The original French edition is generally acknowledged as the first literary work printed in the French language.

Lefèvre's medieval romance is not just the story of the Trojan War, but the entire mythological history of the ancient city.

ESTC S108405.

HBS 68575.

$15,000.