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Question

Difficulty: MediumLanguage, Literature and Culture

The development of a standardized English language was significantly aided by the introduction of new technology in the late 15th century. This allowed for the first book to be printed in England, replacing the traditional hand-copied manuscripts. Which individual is credited with bringing the printing press to England and printing the first English book?

  1. William CaxtonAnswer
  2. B
    Geoffrey Chaucer
  3. C
    William Shakespeare
  4. D
    King John

Answer

William Caxton was the individual who brought the printing press to England and printed the first book in English.
The correct answer is the individual who introduced the printing press to England in 1476. This development was crucial because it helped to standardize the English language and made books more accessible. The first book he printed was 'The Canterbury Tales' by Geoffrey Chaucer.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the key technological advancement mentioned.
The technology is the printing press, introduced in the late 15th century (1476).
The question specifies the introduction of the printing press as the turning point for English standardization.
2
Distinguish between the author of the first printed book and the person who printed it.
Geoffrey Chaucer wrote 'The Canterbury Tales', but William Caxton printed it.
The question asks for the person credited with bringing the technology and printing the book, not the original author.

Key Concept

The introduction of the printing press by William Caxton and its role in standardizing the English language.

Practice More

Review the impact of the printing press on the standardization of English dialects into a single national language.
Estimated Time:45s
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Topics

Language, Literature and Culture

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