The Old Printer and the Modern Press

"The Old Printer and the Modern Press" by Charles Knight is a story from the 1800s about William Caxton, who was England's original printer, and how he helped spread information. The narrative talks about things like how the English language changed over time and what society was like with and without printed books; it also discusses economic and social changes that printing caused. The story starts by looking at Caxton's early life, specifically the Weald of Kent, which is where he spent much of his childhood. It talks about the time when people were starting to teach in English instead of French and how difficult it was to find books prior to printing. Knight shows what Caxton's young life was like, describing the solitude of the countryside where he grew up. It assists the reader in comprehending how Caxton changed English culture and literature through his contributions.