Le Morte d’Arthur · Chapter
Preface of William Caxton explained
William Caxton explains his decision to print Sir Thomas Malory's 'Le Morte Darthur,' defending the historical existence of King Arthur against skeptics by citing evidence such as Arthur's tomb at Glastonbury, the Round Table at Winchester,
What happens
William Caxton explains his decision to print Sir Thomas Malory's 'Le Morte Darthur,' defending the historical existence of King Arthur against skeptics by citing evidence such as Arthur's tomb at Glastonbury, the Round Table at Winchester, and other relics. He categorizes Arthur among the Nine Worthies and emphasizes the moral and chivalric lessons the book offers to its readers.
Themes in this chapter
Kingship and Governance
Caxton presents Arthur as a model Christian king and conqueror, defending his legacy against skepticism.
Religious Quest and Redemption
The preface emphasizes the moral purpose of the book, urging readers to follow virtue and avoid vice to attain heavenly bliss.
Honor and Reputation
Caxton argues for Arthur's place among the Nine Worthies and stresses the importance of fame and renown achieved through chivalric deeds.
Characters to notice
- King Arthur
Caxton defends Arthur's historical reality, citing his tomb, seal, and status as first of the three Christian Worthies.
- Sir Gawaine
Mentioned as having his skull preserved at Dover Castle as evidence of Arthurian knights.
- Sir Launcelot du Lake
Referenced as having his sword preserved as a relic of Arthur's court.
- Sir Gareth of Orkney
Named in the summary of Book Seven as the knight called Beaumains by Sir Kay.
- Sir Tristram de Liones
Mentioned in the book summaries for Books Eight, Nine, and Ten.
- Sir Galahad
Appears in the summary of Book Eleven and Book Thirteen concerning the Sangreal quest.
- Sir Bors de Ganis
Listed in the summary of Book Sixteen alongside his brother Sir Lionel.
- Queen Guenever
Referenced in the summaries of Books Three, Eighteen, and Nineteen regarding her marriage and relationship with Launcelot.
Key passages
“he is more spoken of beyond the sea, more books made of his noble acts, than there be in England, as well in Dutch, Italian, Spanish, and Greekish, as in French.”
Arthur is more famous abroad, with more books written about him in various European languages than in England itself.
Caxton uses this to argue for Arthur's international renown.
“Do after the good and leave the evil, and it shall bring you to good fame and renown.”
Imitate virtuous actions and avoid sinful ones, and you will achieve honor and a good reputation.
Caxton states the moral lesson he hopes readers will take from the book.
“I could not well deny but that there was such a noble king named Arthur, and reputed one of the nine worthy, and first and chief of the Christian men.”
I was convinced that King Arthur truly existed, as he is counted among the Nine Worthies and the foremost Christian hero.
Caxton concludes his defense of Arthur's historicity.