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William Caxton’s Preface

After I had printed and issued various histories, books of contemplation, stories of great conquerors and princes, and certain books of religious examples and doctrine, many noble and diverse gentlemen of this realm of England often came to me and asked why I had not set and printed the story of the Holy Grail and of the most renowned Christian king, King Arthur. He is the first among the three best of all Christian kings, and it is right that he be held in the highest honor among us Englishmen, before all other Christian kings.

It is well known throughout the world that there have been nine “worthies”—specifically, three pagans, three Jews, and three Christians. The pagan worthies are those who lived before the life of Christ. The first is Hector of Troy, whose story has been told in both song and tale; the second is Alexander the Great. The third is Julius Caesar, Emperor of Rome, whose story is well known and easily found. As for the three Jews—they also lived before the incarnation of Our Lord. The first is Duke Joshua, who brought the children of Israel into the land of behest. The second is David, King of Jerusalem, and the third is Judas Maccabee. The Bible tells the stories of these three men and their nobles lives and acts.

Since the birth of Christ, three noble Christian men have been acclaimed throughout the world and installed as three of the Nine Worthies. The first is the noble Arthur, whose great deeds are to be found in the pages that follow. The second is Charlemagne, or Charles the Great, of whom stories are told in many places in both French and English. The third and last is Godfrey of Bouillon; I made a book of his life and deeds for that excellent prince and king of noble memory, King Edward IV.

The aforementioned noble gentlemen urgently asked that I print the story of the aforementioned noble king and conqueror King Arthur and his knights, along with the story of the Quest for the Holy Grail, as well as the death of Arthur; they said that it was more right that I should print that story than that of Godfrey of Bouillon or any of the other eight Worthies, considering that King Arthur was born in this land and became king and emperor here, and that there were already in French numerous accounts of the deeds of him and his knights. I responded that many men are of the opinion that there was no such person as Arthur, and that all of the books that tell his story are nothing but false fables because there are many chronicles in which neither he nor his knights are mentioned at all.

They answered—and one in particular said—that anyone who said that there was never such a king as Arthur could be held to be a foolish and blind man; he said that there is plenty of evidence to prove his existence. First, one can see his tomb in the monastery at Glastonbury. Also, in the sixth chapter of the fifth book of the Polychronicon, and in the twenty-third chapter of the seventh book of that text, there is mention of where his body was buried and how it was found and moved to that monastery. One can also read, in Boccaccio’s De Casu Principum, an account of his noble deeds and his fall. Also, Geoffrey of Monmouth tells of Arthur’s life in his book.

In various parts of England, too, there are many remembrances of his life and those of his knights that will certainly exist for eternity. First, in Westminster Abbey, at the shrine of St. Edward, the imprint of his seal in red wax (enclosed in beryl) can be seen; it says “Patricius Arthurus Britannie Gallie Germanie Dacie Imperator.” Also, in Dover Castle one can see the skull of Sir Gawain and the mantle of Sir Cradok. At Winchester, one can see the Round Table, and in other places one can see Sir Lancelot’s sword, along with many other things.

Considering all of this evidence, no reasonable man could say that there was never a king of this land named Arthur. In all places, Christian and heathen, he is well-regarded and held to be one of the Nine Worthies, and the first of the three Christian Worthies. He is also spoken of quite a bit across the Channel, where there are many more books telling of his noble acts than there are in England. One can find his story in Dutch, Italian, Spanish, and Greek, as well as in French. Some witnesses of record remain in Wales in the town of Camelot, where there are great stones and marvelous iron-works that are now underground, along with royal vaults that many men who are now alive have seen. Thus, it is a marvel that he is not more renowned in his own country, except for the fact that this corresponds to the word of God—that no man is accepted as a prophet in his own country.

So, when I considered all this evidence, I could not deny that there had been a noble king named Arthur, who is one of the Nine Worthies and the first of the three Christian Worthies. Many stories of him and his knights have been written in French; when I was across the sea, I saw and read many of these which were not written in our mother tongue. There are many stories of Arthur in Welsh and in French, and there are some in English, but nowhere near all of the tales of Arthur can be found in our language. Thus, taking those accounts that have recently been translated into English, using the simple cunning that God has given me and under the correction of all noble lords and gentlemen, I have endeavored to print a book that tells the noble story of the said King Arthur and certain of his knights. I have based my edition on a copy of the story of Arthur given to me, which was written by Sir Thomas Malory, using certain French books that he translated into English.

I have followed my copy and set the story down in print with the intent that noble men may read and learn the noble acts of chivalry—the noble and virtuous deeds performed by some knights in days of yore. The story tells of how honor came to some knights, and how those who were vicious were often shamed and rebuked. I humbly beseech all noble lords and ladies, and the people of all other estates—whatever their status or degree—that when they read this book, they remember the good and honest acts and follow their example. In this text they shall find many joyous and pleasant histories, noble and renowned acts of humanity, gentility, and chivalry. Herein can be seen chivalry, courtesy, humanity, fellowship, endurance, love, friendship, cowardice, murder, hate, virtue, and sin. Follow the example of the good and leave the evil, and it shall bring you a good reputation and renown.

Reading of this book will certainly be a pleasant way to pass the time, but as far as the belief that all that is contained within it is true—I leave that up to the reader’s discretion to decide. Everything that is written is for our education, and to warn us not to fall into vice or sin, but rather, to behave virtuously; thus, we may achieve a good reputation and renown in this life, and after this short and transitory life we may come to everlasting bliss in heaven. May He who reigns in heaven, the Blessed Trinity, grant this to us. Amen.

To move on into this book, which I commend to all noble princes, lords, ladies, gentlemen or gentlewomen, and all those who desire to read or hear read the noble and joyous history of the great conqueror and excellent king, King Arthur, formerly king of this noble realm called Britain: I, William Caxton, simple person, present this book which I have taken on myself to print. It tells of noble acts, feats of arms of chivalry, prowess, endurance, humanity, love, courtesy, and true nobility as it relates many wonderful stories and adventures.