Caxton's Early Printed Romances: Paris & Vienne and Blanchardyn & Eglantine
2025-04-15
William Caxton's *Paris and Vienne* (1485) and *Blanchardyn and Eglantine* (1489) stand apart from his other printed works. Unlike adaptations of epic cycles, these are independent adventure tales popular across medieval Europe in various languages and forms. With lively characters and unique plot treatments, they offered both edification and entertainment, showcasing chivalry and courtly love. As early examples of printed chivalric romances in England, they illuminate the development of English prose, the romance genre's evolution, and precursors to the novel.