The “Canterbury Tales” had been written about 1395, and during the century which preceded this first printed edition, the work had secured an assured prestige and a circulation which for a book in manuscript must have been very considerable. As one of the most famous productions of English literature, it was a very natural selection to be included with Caxton’s earlier publications. This first edition was in fact the tenth work produced from the Caxton Press. The second edition was printed about six years later (Blades says “probably 1484”), and appears to have had the advantage of a more correct or more complete text. In a prefatory note printed by the publisher in this volume, Caxton gives the following account of the way in which this better text came into his hands: “Of which book so incorrect was one brought to me six year passed, which I supposed had been very true and correct, and according to the same I did imprint a certain number of them, which anon were sold to many and divers gentlemen: of whom one gentleman came to me, and said that this book was not according in many places unto the book that Geoffrey Chaucer had made. To whom I answered that I had made it according to my copy, and by me was nothing added or diminished. Then he said he knew a book which his father had and much loved, that was very true, and according unto his own first book by him made; and said more, if I would imprint it again, he would get me the same book for a copy. How be it, he wist well his father would not gladly part from it; to whom I said, in case that he could get me such a book true and correct, that I would once endeavour me to imprint it again, for to satisfy the author: whereas before by ignorance I erred in hurting and defaming his book in divers places, in setting in some things that he never said nor made, and leaving out many things that he made which are requisite to be set in. And thus we fell at accord; and he full gently got me of his father the said book, and delivered it to me, by which I have corrected my book.” 1478. “The Moral Proverbs of Cristyne,” translated by Earl Rivers. Folio. Christine de Pisa wrote these “Proverbs” about 1400. Thomassy speaks of her as, with the exception of Joan of Arc, the most famous woman of her age.[50] Blades says of her that she was early left a widow, with children and parents to support, and urged on by necessity, she devoted herself to a literary life, and soon became famous, and that for many years her labours were incessant. He appears to be of the opinion that she succeeded in securing a livelihood by her pen. If this opinion be correct, Christine was certainly a marked exception to the other authors of the fourteenth century. 1478. “The Horse, the Sheep, and the Goose.”