1481. “The Mirrour of the World,” translated from the French by Caxton. Folio, with illustrations. The French version from which Caxton worked was that of “Maître Gossevin,” which was itself based upon the metrical version, prepared, in 1245, by the Duke of Berri. The Latin original, “Speculum vel Imago Mundi,” was the work of some unknown author writing early in the thirteenth century. The number of manuscript copies which had been preserved, is evidence of its early popularity. Caxton’s judgment in reviving the work in an English version and a printed edition proved to be well founded, as it passed through various editions. This first edition was, however, not the speculation of the printer, the cost of its production having been borne by Alderman Hugh Brice.[54] 1481. “The History of Reynard the Fox.” Folio. A translation prepared by Caxton from a Flemish version of the popular legend. 1481. “Tully on Old Age”; “Tully on Friendship”; “The Declamation of Noblesse.” Folio. “Emprynted by me, symple person, William Caxton.” This translation was made, as is stated in the Prologue, “at the ordinance and desire of Sir John Falstoffe.” 1481. “Cura Sapientiæ,” or the “Court of Sapience.” By John Lydgate. This poet, several of whose productions have been preserved by Caxton’s Press, died in 1461, about fifteen years before Caxton began his printing work. While not quite a contemporary, he was one of the few English authors of his own times with whom Caxton’s imprint is associated. The poem presents a debate between Mercy, Truth, Justice, and Peace, together with a metrical description of theology, geography, natural history, horticulture, grammar, rhetoric, arithmetic, geometry, music, and astronomy. I am not sure from the description whether it is to be classed with light literature, or may properly be considered as one of the publisher’s “solid” productions. The author is frank enough in regard to his own deficiencies. He writes: I am a monk by my profession, Of Bury, called John Lydgate by my name, And wear a habit of perfection, Although my life agree not with the same. 1481. “The History of Godfrey of Bulloigne, or the Conquest of Jerusalem.” Folio. A translation by Caxton from an anonymous French chronicle. “Polychronicon.” Folio. “Imprinted and set in forme by me William Caxton.”