of modernisation in spelling and punctuation were adopted, but
with the restoration of obsolete words and omitted phrases. As
to the present edition, Sir Edward Strachey altered with so
sparing a hand that on many pages differences between his version
and that here printed will be looked for in vain; but the most
anxious care has been taken to produce a text modernised as to
its spelling, but in other respects in accurate accordance with
Caxton's text, as represented by Dr Sommer's reprint. Obvious
misprints have been silently corrected, but in a few cases notes
show where emendations have been introduced from Wynkyn de
Worde--not that Wynkyn had any more right to emend Caxton than
we, but because even a printer's conjecture gains a little
sanctity after four centuries. The restoration of obsolete words
has necessitated a much fuller glossary, and the index of names
has therefore been separated from it and enlarged. In its
present form the index is the work of Mr. Henry Littlehales.
A. W. POLLARD.


PREFACE OF WILLIAM CAXTON

AFTER that I had accomplished and finished divers histories, as
well of contemplation as of other historial and worldly acts of
great conquerors and princes, and also certain books of ensamples
and doctrine, many noble and divers gentlemen of this realm of
England came and demanded me many and oft times, wherefore that I
have not do made and imprint the noble history of the Saint
Greal, and of the most renowned Christian king, first and chief
of the three best Christian, and worthy, King Arthur, which ought
most to be remembered among us Englishmen to-fore all other