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Question

Difficulty: MediumLanguage, Literature and Culture

In 1476, William Caxton introduced the printing press to England, which played a crucial role in standardizing the English language. Which of the following literary works, written by Geoffrey Chaucer, was the first book to be printed in the English language?

  1. The Canterbury TalesAnswer
  2. B
    The Domesday Book
  3. C
    The Magna Carta
  4. D
    Romeo and Juliet

Answer

The Canterbury Tales
The correct answer is the collection of stories written by Geoffrey Chaucer. In 1476, William Caxton established the first printing press in England and chose this specific work to be the first book ever printed in the English language, an event that significantly contributed to the standardization of English.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the significance of the year 1476 in English history.
1476 marks the introduction of the printing press to England by William Caxton.
This technological advancement allowed for the mass production of books and helped standardize the English language.
2
Recall the first major work printed in the English language.
The first book printed in English by Caxton was 'The Canterbury Tales'.
Geoffrey Chaucer's famous collection of stories was selected as the debut publication for the new technology.
3
Verify that the author matches the work and time period.
Geoffrey Chaucer is the author of 'The Canterbury Tales', and he is the most famous English poet of the Middle Ages.
Distinguishing between the person (Chaucer) and his specific achievement (The Canterbury Tales) ensures the correct identification of the literary work.

Key Concept

The introduction of the printing press in 1476 and the first printed English book.
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Language, Literature and Culture

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