The Myrrour of the Worlde is one of the first illustrated books printed in England. Produced by William Caxton, this 2nd edition copy is one of only 19 remaining in the world.
Myrrour is a translation of the 1464 French text L'image du Monde, which was in turn derived from the Imago Mundi and other Latin sources. It is an introduction to the history of science covering geography, economics, music, cosmology, zoology, meteorology and astronomy. Caxton translated, edited and updated this work for an English audience. He published his first edition in 1481, and a second edition nine years later.
The Myrrour of the Worlde is printed in Gothic type and illustrated with 38 woodcuts. The illustrations depict a variety of scenes including a schoolmaster and pupils, a globe, a compass, a musician and singer, and the creation of Eve.
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