LEFEVRE, Raoul (c. 1460). The Ancient Historie of the Destruction of Troy. Translated by William Caxton with improvements by William Fiston. London: Thomas Creede, 1607.

Rare edition of Caxton's translation of Lefèvre's medieval romance. The first edition, printed by Caxton himself in 1471, was the first book printed in the English language; all editions are scarce. The romance is not restricted to the story of the Trojan War, but encompasses the entire mythological history of the ancient city. This is the fifth edition overall, and the second edited by William Fiston. No copies are recorded at auction by RBH or ABPC; there was a copy in the Huth sale, but the collation given there is incorrect. STC (2nd ed.), 15380.

Quarto (184 x 137mm). Three title pages, woodcut device on second one, woodcut initials (large repair to title and first two leaves affecting text, title and first text leaf remargined at gutter, repaired blank corner, some toning and soiling throughout, small area uninked with manuscript facsimile of type). Late 19th-century half morocco, top edge gilt (slightly worn, spine sunned); slipcase. Provenance: a few later marginal comments (trimmed) – Silas Reed Anthony (bookplate).