This work is described as the most laborious and most important of Caxton’s literary and publishing undertakings. The collection from which the various versions of “The Golden Legend” were derived was a compilation entitled “Legenda Aurea,” made in the thirteenth century by Jacobus de Voragine, Archbishop of Genoa, in which were narrated the lives and miracles of the Saints.[55] Caxton appears to have had before him, in preparing his volume for the press, one of the many Latin texts, an English version compiled about 1450, and the French version of Jean de Vignay. In editing the collection for English readers, Caxton omitted a number of the more incredible and more objectionable of the stories. Some of the best of these stories are identical with those given in the “Gesta Romanorum,” the first printed edition of which was issued by Koberger in 1493. Caxton’s volume was extensively illustrated, and he speaks of the preparation of the designs as having caused him much trouble and expense. The undertaking was suggested by the Earl of Arundel, who agreed to take “a reasonable number of copies,” and further to pay as an annuity “a buck in summer and a doe in winter.” 1484. “The Fables of Æsop”; of “Avian”; of “Alfonse”; and of “Poge” (Poggio), the Florentine. Folio. “Emprynted by me William Caxton at Westmynstre.” Illustrated. The text was translated by Caxton from the French, and was the first version of “Æsop” in English. 1485. “Troylus and Creside.” Folio. 1485. “The Lyf of Our Ladye.” Folio. “Emprynted by Wyllyam Caxton.” This poem was the work of John Lydgate, and had been written at the “excitation” of Henry V. It belonged to what may be called the popular group of Caxton’s publications. 1485. “The Noble Histories of King Arthur and of certain of his Knights.” Folio. “Emprynted in thabbey of Westmestre.” This was the work of Sir Thomas Malory, and was generally known as the “Morte d’Arthur”; it was completed, as the author states, in 1470. Caxton states in his Prologue, that Sir Thomas had “reduced” the romances “from certain books in French.” I have not been able to find record of the date of Malory’s death, but as Caxton makes no reference to any relations with him, it is probable that in 1485 he was no longer living. His “Histories” certainly, however, could be classed as contemporary literature, and their selection by Caxton for the honour of a printed edition gives the impression of a publisher who was not so absorbed in the literature of the past as to be unmindful of the literary activities and possibilities in his own community.