William Caxton
Business People

William Caxton Net Worth

William Caxton was a successful English merchant, writer, printer and translator who was born in 1422 in Kent, British. He began his career as a merchant, but in the 1460s he began to drift towards literature, translating works from French to English. His career changed drastically when he visited Cologne and was impressed by the German printing technology. He introduced England to the world of printing press, becoming the first English person to work as a printer and retailer of printed books. He printed over 108 books in different genres, four-fifth of them being in English language, and is credited with standardizing English language through printing. His press continued to thrive for 40 years after his death in 1492, under Wynkyn de Worde, one of his immigrant workers.
William Caxton is a member of Business People

Age, Biography and Wiki

Who is it? First person to introduce a printing press into England
Birth Year 1422
Birth Place Kent, British
Age 597 YEARS OLD
Died On c. 1491
Resting place St Margaret's, Westminster
Occupation merchant, diplomat, writer, printer
Period Late Plantagenet, Early English Renaissance
Notable work Recuyell of the Historyes of Troye Dictes or Sayengis of the Philosophres Brut Chronicles

💰 Net worth

William Caxton, the renowned figure recognized as the first person to introduce a printing press into England during the British era, is estimated to have a net worth ranging from $100,000 to $1 million in 2024. Caxton's contribution revolutionized the world of printing and literacy, making books more accessible to a wider audience. His ventures in the print industry, coupled with his vast knowledge and expertise, have undoubtedly contributed to his significant net worth. Caxton's pioneering work continues to be celebrated and his impact on the literary world remains unparalleled.

Biography/Timeline

1954

In November 1954, a memorial to Caxton was unveiled in Westminster Abbey by J. J. Astor, chairman of the Press Council. The white stone plaque is on the wall next to the door to Poets' Corner. The inscription reads:

2014

Caxton is credited with standardising the English language through printing—that is, homogenising regional dialects and largely adopting the London dialect. This facilitated the expansion of English vocabulary, the regularisation of inflection and syntax, and a widening gap between the spoken and the written word. Richard Pynson started printing in London in 1491 or 1492 and favoured what came to be called Chancery Standard, largely based on the London dialect. Pynson was a more accomplished Stylist than Caxton and consequently pushed the English language further toward standardisation.

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About the author

Lisa Scholfield

As a Senior Writer at Famous Net Worth, I spearhead an exceptional team dedicated to uncovering and sharing the stories of pioneering individuals. My passion for unearthing untold narratives drives me to delve deep into the essence of each subject, bringing forth a unique blend of factual accuracy and narrative allure. In orchestrating the editorial workflow, I am deeply involved in every step—from initial research to the final touches of publishing, ensuring each biography not only informs but also engages and inspires our readership.