William Caxton, merchant, writer, and printer, introduced the printing press
into England in 1476. He is recognized as a technician who greatly influenced
the development of the English language, in part by drawing together the many
dialects used at the time, “standardizing the language,” so to speak. While he
may not have been the greatest translator, he was a prolific printer, bringing
many dozens of books to the English citizenry.
March 26, 1484, Caxton published his English translation of Aesop's Fables.
In a 2002 poll by the BBC, Caxton was listed as one of the top one hundred
British Heroes.*
William Caxton c.1420 - 1492 RIP
Now I am inclined to present one of Aesop's tales here, albeit in a more modern English translation.
The Ass in the Lion's Skin
An ass once found a Lion's skin which the hunters had left out in the sun to dry. He put it on and went towards his native village. All fled at his approach, both men and animals, and he was a proud Ass that day. In his delight he lifted up his voice and brayed, but then everyone knew him, and his owner came up and gave him a sound cudgeling for the fright he had caused. And shortly afterwards a Fox came up to him and said: "Ah, I knew you by your voice."
Fine clothes may disguise, but
silly words will disclose a fool.
Aesop 620BC - 564BC RIP
You may read many of Aesop's fables at this site: www.aesopfables.com/
6 comments:
Interesting tidbit! And I like how a "technician" was the one who changed things not a bureaucrat or a philosopher.
Good choice, Caxton as a hero.
Was an ape involved? Have you read The Final Battle from Tales of Narnia by C S Lewis?
Perhaps if he'd kept his mouth shut, others wouldn't have found out that he was an ass.
Sharkey, little remembered, Caxton nonetheless was an important figure in our history (language).
Vee, true. Cf. some of today's "heroes" so-called.
Chuck, I, like Susan, stopped believing before The Last Battle occured. My loss.
Keep your mouth shut and people may think you are a fool, open it and they will know it. - Something my father always said.
Grace, and good counsel it was, too.
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