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William Caxton: A biography
A definitive book on William Caxton in excellent shape
- GenresBiography
227 pages, Hardcover
First published December 31, 1977
15 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
February 1, 2022
A biography of a man about whom almost nothing personal is known. Painter points out that he could have raised an entire first family while he lived on the continent and they might have left no trace in the records. This book is an account of his career. It opens with an account of the wool trade which is surprisingly interesting, and Painter employs some good critical thinking to analyse the scanty primary records and construct some sort of life story. The book is not without merit.
Cracks start to appear when he moves on to Caxton’s time as a diplomat. Painter fails to properly introduce the political players involved so we’re left adrift in a sea of names. At other times the reverse is the problem. He may mention some person who was tangentially involved with Caxton and gives their entire bloody life story in a footnote only for them never to appear again. It’s impossible to know at the time what information your brain needs to retain. His account of the printing business is sometimes interesting, sometimes dull. How is it possible to make an account of the first books printed in England dull? Painter is not a particularly good writer and at times this reads like a source book for a real biographer to use.
Cracks start to appear when he moves on to Caxton’s time as a diplomat. Painter fails to properly introduce the political players involved so we’re left adrift in a sea of names. At other times the reverse is the problem. He may mention some person who was tangentially involved with Caxton and gives their entire bloody life story in a footnote only for them never to appear again. It’s impossible to know at the time what information your brain needs to retain. His account of the printing business is sometimes interesting, sometimes dull. How is it possible to make an account of the first books printed in England dull? Painter is not a particularly good writer and at times this reads like a source book for a real biographer to use.
April 13, 2018
Good information but not the most "readable" of presentations. I found I had to pay close attention and even had to reread some paragraphs to get what he was saying. Granted, the problem may lie with me, but, then again, I am the one writing this evaluation. Spends some time correcting the mistakes of earlier biographers. Very meticulous in giving details. Sent me to my dictionary more than once: disponsibility, termagant, stint, and more. Worth a read if you are interested in the beginnings of printing in England.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews