The mirror of the world
[Westminster: William Caxton, 1481, after 12 August]

One of twenty books Caxton himself translated into English, this version of the thirteenth-century Image du monde was the first book printed in English to contain illustrations. As an early form of encyclopaedia, essentially a one-volume guide to all knowledge, the text covered the creation of the world, the liberal arts, geography, and the place of the earth in relation to the other planets. The charming woodcuts give a fascinating insight into contemporary costume, scientific practice and–as here–musical instruments.

This volume has been digitised in full: to view this, click ‘Open Digital Library’.

Inc.2.J.1.1[3494], ff. [21v–22r] (Royal Library)