Caxton gives in his Prologue his reasons for the selection of Malory’s work for publication. He considers Arthur to be a national hero and one of the nine great characters of the world’s history, his list comprising Hector, Alexander, Arthur, Charlemagne, and Godfrey of Bouillon. “In these playsaunt historyes,” says Caxton, “may be seen noble chyvalrye, curtosye, humanyte, frendlynesse, hardynesse, love, frendship, cowardyse, murdre, hate, vertue and synne. Doo after the good and leve the evyl and it shal brynge you to good fame and renommee.” A book containing all this was certainly deserving of the honour of a printed edition. Caxton’s selection of the “Morte d’Arthur” showed admirable publishing judgment. The book was not only excellent “copy” for the time, but has had a more abiding repute than perhaps any production of its age. 1485. “The Life of the Noble and Christian Prince Charles the Great.” Folio. “Explicit per William Caxton.” This “Life” was based upon the biography (itself a compilation) by Henry Bolomyer, Canon of Lausanne. The work, which is something more than a translation, was undertaken by Caxton at the instance of Danberry, treasurer of the King’s jewels, and of certain other persons of noble estate and degree. 1485. “The Knight Paris and the Fair Vienne.” Folio. “Explicit per Caxton.” A translation by Caxton of a famous romance, which had originally been written in “Catalane,” but of which versions had appeared in a number of languages. It can be described as belonging to the popular literature of Europe, for after securing a wide circulation in manuscript editions, it was printed in Trevisa as early as 1482, in London, as above, in 1485, in Antwerp in 1487, and frequently thereafter. 1487. “The book of Good Manners.” Folio. “Explicit et hic est finis per Caxton.” This is the work of Jaques Legrand, an Augustinian friar, said to have been a native of Toledo. It was written about 1370. Legrand was also the author of the “Sophologium.” Caxton states in his Prologue that he undertook the translation in response to a “death-bed request” of his friend William Pratt, who was a man of influence in the Mercers’ Guild, and Caxton refers to him as “a singular friend of old Knowledge.” 1487. “Speculum Vitæ Christi.” Folio. “Emprynted by Wyllyam Caxton.” Probably a translation of the French version of the “Vita Christi,” written in 1410, by S. Bonaventura. 1488. “The Royal Book, or Book for a King.” Folio. “Translated out of Frensshe into Englysshe by me Wylyam Caxton.”