Robert Copland
Robert Copland was an influential figure in the early 16th century, recognized for his multifaceted contributions as a writer, printer, and translator. Although details about his early life and birthplace remain uncertain, it is believed he was born in England around 1470. Copland began his career working with William Caxton, the first English printer, which laid the foundation for his later success in the printing trade. His notable works include "The Highway to the Spital-House," which explores themes of social reform through vivid depictions of rogues and vagabonds, and "Jill of Brentford's Testament." Over his nearly fifty-year career, he printed approximately thirty books, including law texts, ballads, and romances, significantly impacting the development of English literature by promoting the use of English and standardizing spelling. Copland's work reflects the considerable French influence on British literature during his time and provides valuable insights into the printing and publishing practices of the era. His legacy remains as a testament to the vibrant literary culture of 16th-century England.
On this Page
Subject Terms
Robert Copland
Fiction Writer
- Born: c. 1470
- Birthplace: Probably England
- Died: Probably early 1548
Biography
Not much is known about Robert Copland’s early life. Indeed, scholars even disagree about his country of origin, and the year of his birth. Because he wrote in French and translated books from French to English, there remains ongoing debate about his birthplace. However, he was more than likely born in England around 1470.
A much-neglected writer, Copland’s work included essays, law books, devotional works, and a collection of translations. He wrote popular literature for English readers. Of particular significance are his c. 1536 The Highway to the Spital- House; Jill of Brentford’s Testament (c.1563); and The Seven Sorrows That Women Have When Their Husbands Be Dead (c. 1565). The Highway to the Spital-House richly describes sixteenth century rogues and vagabonds, taking its theme from the French Le Chemin de l’ospital (1502) by Robert de Balzac. His description of beggars and thieves contributed to the subsequent didactic rogue literary genre which sought to reform society by highlighting dishonest practices.
As a young man in London, Copland worked for William Caxton (1422-1491), the first English printer, from whom he learned the trade that would one day cast him in the role of eminent printer himself. He worked for Caxton at Westminster Press until Caxton’s death in 1491, and continued to work for his master’s successor, Wynkyn de Worde. His own career as a printer began in 1514, but he continued to share work with de Worde, who did not have Copland’s literary judgment. Of the books printed, of particular note is Henry Watson’s prose translation of Sebastian Brant’s Narrenschiff (ship of fools, 1494) and Pietro Tommai of Ravenna’s Art of Memory (c. 1545), which enriched the development of the English language.
In time, Copland’s name became almost synonymous with the printing trade in London. He worked in every aspect of the occupation for almost fifty years, serving not only as writer and editor, but printer, translator, and even bookseller. In all, he printed about thirty books—ballads, treatises, law books, and romances—a remarkable number given the era. His work as a printer demonstrates the French influence in British literature. He printed the first French grammar book, many works in Latin, and publicized the works of Boccaccio and Chaucer.
Copland also advocated for English as a proper language for writers, attempted to educate readers in the proper use of English and to standardize spelling. As a subject, Copland provides historical insight into the era’s printing, publishing, and bookselling practices.