He is thought to be the first person to introduce a printing press into england, in 1476, and as a printer was the first english retailer of printed books. Book club of california at the grabhorn press, 1949. Depicting the lives of the saints in an array of factual and fictional stories, the golden legend was perhaps the most widely read book, after the bible, during the late middle ages. Caxton died in 1491 and wynkyn took over his print shop. The golden legend is the very first book printed in english to contain any part of the holy bible. In this grant, which is dated 27 september 1515, he is styled richard pynson, esquire, our printer. Wynkyns edition of walter hiltons scala perfectionis 1494 was sette in printe in william caxtons hows colophon, and an edition of speculum vitae christi 1494 is the. Caxton printed an illustrated edition of his own translation in. A few of the books printed during this period are worthy of notice. Book fool and saynt ambrose founde theyr passyon wryten in a book. Apr 22, 2012 depicting the lives of the saints in an array of factual and fictional stories, the golden legend was perhaps the most widely read book, after the bible, during the late middle ages. From golden beaches to ancient legends frommers with your family series by simon, jos and a great selection of related books, art and collectibles available now at.
It was first rendered into english and printed by william caxton in 1483. The legende named in latyn legenda aurea clark library. The two early seventeenthcentury inventories likewise omit many volumes known to have been present. Legenda aurea sanctorum, sive lombardica historia english. Whose body, the first adventure of lord peter wimsey, was published over 80 years ago, in 1923. The author was a native of the town of varazze on the genoese riviera. The golden legend was extremely popular in the late middle ages, not only on the continent but also in britain. There are five known books printed in the first two years, some such as the golden legend, being. The largest donation was made by bishop thomas ken who died in 1711. The golden legend folio leaves come from two separate printings of the textone leaf from 1498. The 1521 edition of the golden legend on display in the bible museum is from the collection of dr.
In fact, there are about 900 surviving golden legend manuscripts. The miracles of our lady golden legend the rote or mirror of consolation the twelve profits of. He is believed to have been in caxtons employment from around the mid. In this grant, which is dated 27 september 1515, he is. The book club of california, printed by the grabhorn press. Folio cccalvii, which contain the ending of the life of st. Has dorothy sayers made up these works, or do they actually exist. The worlds largest search engine for old, rare and outofprint books. He was kings printer to henry viii, from whom he received a grant of. Dunham newbible museum s houston baptist university.
This was used as a basis by ritson and gutch, but child and dobson and taylor used lettersnijder and filled it out from wynkyn, here called b. There are five known books printed in the first two years, some such as the golden legend, being reprints of caxtons books, though with modified colophons. Secret symbols i am now the proud owner of a page from another edition of the golden legend, this time from probably the most famous english press ever, the kelmscott press. Pauls churchyard, as well as the three kings without temple bar. The project gutenberg ebook of a short history of english.
Legenda aurea sanctorum, sive lombardica historia english the golden legend. It is also given 15 times in the sacrists roll of westminster abbey and in city records as. These folio leaves were printed during a time when the golden legend was the most frequently printed book in all of europe 14701530. The miracles of our lady golden legend the rote or mirror of consolation the. No book is found printed by notary between the years 1510 and 1515. Wynkyns edition of walter hiltons scala perfectionis 1494 was sette in printe in william caxtons hows colophon, and an. Luke, author of the third gospel and the book of acts, is here portrayed writing his gospel and wearing a physicians hat, a sign of his former profession. A short account of the life and work of wynkyn sophie. The stories have been arranged in order of their feast days on the liturgical calendar, which was convenient for priests using the stories in sermons and pious lay readers. A brave, timely, searingly beautiful novel from the acclaimed author of the bli.
In 1493 was issued the third edition of the golden legend, and in the following year the. In the former year he appears to have had a house in st. A guide to the the golden legend folio leaves, 1498. His name was jacopo gacobus in latin, james in english. Private press grabhorn press, a short account of the lif.