BOOK THE FIRST

But, high above, more solid learning shone, 
The classics of an age that heard of none; 
There Caxton slept, with Wynkyn at his side, 
One clasped in wood, and one in strong cow-hide; 
There, saved by spice, like mummies, many a year, 
Dry bodies of divinity appear: 
De Lyra there a dreadful front extends, 
And here the groaning shelves Philemon bends. 
    Of these twelve volumes, twelve of amplest size, 
Redeemed from tapers and defrauded pies, 
Inspired he seizes: these an altar raise: 
An hetatomb of pure, unsullied lays 
That altar crowns: a folio commonplace 
Founds the whole pile, of all his works the base: 
Quartos, octavos, shape the lessening pyre; 
A twisted birthday ode completes the spire.

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VI. "More Solid Learning"

     William Caxton is believed to be England's first printer.  Wynkyn de Worde worked with Caxton and eventually took over his business after his death.  Wynkyn began to employ the first local producer of paper in England, John Tate, and so was able to produce much more affordable books and so may be said to be the first commercial printer in England.